About HLP. | Literacy Project

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Thanks Ocean Edgar for highlighting our wonderful learners and tutors in your lovely film.

Humboldt Literacy Project connects adults 18+ who wish to improve their reading and writing with adult volunteer tutors for free, confidential, one-on-one English language tutoring. What this means is we pair our volunteer “Tutors” with “Learners” to help the learners to read and write or learn English.

For most of us, reading is such an integral part of daily life we almost take the ability for granted. However, in Humboldt County an estimated 13,800 adults are functionally illiterate—reading below a fifth grade level. Another 23,000 people in our county read below an eighth grade level. Since 1981, Humboldt Literacy Project has been working to raise the level of literacy in Humboldt County and improve the quality of life in our community.

Uses for literacy in everyday life:

Read a menu
Send a text
Fill out a form
Read a medicine bottle
Fill out a Job application
Read your pay stub.
Write or read a love letter
Laugh at a silly bumper sticker
Get a driver’s license

We Believe:

All adults can learn.
All individuals in our program have the right to privacy and confidentiality.
That a non-judgmental environment promotes mutual respect, trust, openness, comfort, and hope.
Tutoring should be learner-centered.
In conducting ourselves with openness and integrity.
In providing the highest quality service.

Our Mission:

To teach adults in Humboldt County the literacy skills they need on the job, at home, and in our community.
To increase public awareness regarding the magnitude and negative effects of illiteracy.
To build public awareness about the social, political, economic, and value of literacy.

Our Programs:

Basic Literacy -reading and writing for native English speakers who want to improve their skills
Family Literacy - encouraging families and households to share the fun and challenge of reading, writing, and playing together at educational events we call “Family Literacy Parties.”
English as a Second Language - we help non-native speakers improve their English.
Humboldt County Correctional Facilities - Assisting incarcerated individuals to enhance skills and prospects, both during confinement and after re-entry
Bi Monthly Drop-in time at Department of Health and Human Services - we are developing this program to be at DHHS in Eureka, Employment Resource Center. We will be on-site twice a month to help/assist folks with filling out forms, one on one tutoring, learning to read and write, and ESL support. This is a new program and we will be adapting it as we learn more about specific needs for this community.

For more information, contact us at literacyhelpers@gmail.com, or call (707)445-3655.