About Humboldt Literacy Project
Empowering individuals and communities with literacy since 1981!
TRUST BELONGING COMPASSION LIFELONG LEARNING EMPOWERMENT
Our
Story
Our
Mission
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.
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To teach adults in Humboldt County the literacy skills they need on the job, at home, and in our community.
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To increase public awareness regarding the magnitude and negative effects of illiteracy.
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To build public awareness about the social, political, economic, and value of literacy.
We
Believe
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All adults can learn.
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All individuals in our program have the right to privacy and confidentiality.
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That a non-judgmental environment promotes mutual respect, trust, openness, comfort, and hope.
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Tutoring should be learner-centered.
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In conducting ourselves with openness and integrity.
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In providing the highest quality service.
Humboldt Literacy Project was born in 1981 in the English Department of Humboldt State University, a project developed by grad student Lily Gonzales.
In 1985 we became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit and began carrying out the State Library's Literacy Services Program on behalf of Humboldt County Library. We remain Humboldt's one source for free, confidential, one-on-one English language tutoring.
Meet the Team
Emma Breacain
Executive Director
Emma taught herself to read at a young age on the books of Laura Ingalls Wilder, before growing up to earn a Journalism degree. When she realized that journalists often have to write about unpleasant things, she redirected her love of language into helping other people enjoy the near-magical beauty and power of the written word.
She came to Humboldt Literacy Project in 2011 and frequently proclaims herself "the luckiest gal in the world" because of the brave learners and generous tutors she gets to facilitate, here. In her spare time she cooks and records novelty songs with her boyfriend and cats.
Emilia Luna
Program Coordinator
Emilia •• Luna is originally from Argentina, she has been living in Humboldt County for several years. Emilia studied photography and design. Her background brings together visual art, photography, design, curation, community work, and cultural projects. Much of her work has centered around creating spaces where people can meet, connect, share experiences, and build community.
Her connection to literacy is also personal. When Emilia first came to the United States, she knew very little English. She learned it here through everyday life, work, conversations, asking questions, making mistakes, and building relationships. That experience shaped the way she understands language. It is not only a way to communicate, but also something that can bring confidence, independence, opportunities, and deeper connections. Being able to express yourself can change the way you move through everyday life and can empower a person.
That personal experience is also part of what connects her to HLP. She is excited to support learners and tutors, continue building community, keep learning alongside the people she works with, create connections, and contribute to work that can have a real impact on someone’s everyday life ✨
Trinity Altemueller
Outreach Coordinator
Trinity is an artist and art educator who believes in accessibility to knowledge and education as an essential function of a healthy society. Her love for art directly translates itself into a love for writing. The work usually begins with a written idea and a written exploration of that idea, an important part of her practice. Poetry, storytelling, and songwriting are all written art forms that deeply inspire her art.
Trinity joined Humboldt Literacy Project in 2026, with the goal of helping others enjoy the same love of learning and creating through reading and writing.
VIDEOS ABOUT HLP!
