Life Plan Community in Humboldt County

Help reach our fundraising goal of $130,000 by December 31^st!

2024 will be a big year for LPH as we work with advisors, architects and engineers to build this new community. Your gift will have a profound positive impact on local older adults and their families.

Creating a Life Plan Community Right Here in Humboldt County

Life Plan Humboldt (LPH) is a grassroots effort to plan and build the first not-for-profit, mixed-income life plan community in Humboldt County, California.

Life plan communities offer independent living for active older adults with assisted living and memory support if needed. We aim to create a resident-led, aging-in-place community that supports independence, socialization, intellectual stimulation, and community involvement.

We plan to build 144 apartments and cottages on 14+ acres in McKinleyville close to an active downtown area. On the same property, a separate nonprofit will develop 30 to 60 affordable senior homes. Residents will all share the same common social areas and activities.

The Life Plan Humboldt board, led by Ann Lindsay M.D., is comprised of local community leaders with deep commitments to the North Coast and experience implementing complex projects.

We are building a Life Plan Community Right Here in Humboldt County!

Join the Campaign to
Launch Life Plan Humboldt
today with a contribution.

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Our Mission & Vision

To plan, build, and support the first resident led and not-for-profit community for active seniors in Humboldt County.

Humboldt seniors will have secure accessible homes with support if needed, in a community that encourages a healthy lifestyle with independence, socialization, intellectual stimulation, and community involvement.

Core Values

- To enable residents to maintain independent lives in their own homes
- To enhance the quality of life and nurture a sense of community
- To promote an environment of continued learning, culture, wellness – fun
- To welcome all people
- To provide high quality healthcare programs along a continuum of services

- To adopt a model that ensures affordability and security
- To participate in and contribute to the well-being of the larger community
- To engage in sustainable practices that improve our environments
- To foster a rewarding work experience and professional growth opportunities for staff
- To foster a culture of generosity

Our Community Supports Us...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Susan Mazur & Jeff Jordan

We arrived in Humboldt County in the 70s as part of the “Back to the Land movement.” We’ve had many wonderful chapters in our lives – children, homestead, orchards, small businesses, and community involvement at the ground level in many still-thriving organizations in Southern Humboldt. We moved to McKinleyville in February 2020 just weeks before the lock down. I was looking forward to finding a way to participate in our new community but it wasn’t ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Laurel Stiffler

Family brought me to Humboldt County during COVID. I moved my 100 year old mother Muriel from our home in Arizona to be near my brother, who’s been here since 1970 something. This place is of course beautiful and tranquil, and I love the creative soul, but it’s probably genetics that draw my interest in the Humboldt Life Plan community. Muriel died last year at 102, healthy and intact to the end. And I do ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Karen Suiker

My mother spent several years in an active, independent-living retirement community in Washington state. While visiting, I observed that the seniors in that community were valued and treated with respect, as opposed to seniors in the general population who are sometimes overlooked, ignored, forgotten or even treated like second class citizens. I want to feel valued in my senior years. I want my opinions to be sought after and heard. I want to have support ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Halimah Collingwood

After reading some of the testimonials on the Life Plan Humboldt website, I know that those of us attracted to this project have many things in common but what is most significant is our love for this community: the ocean, the redwoods and our environment; the amazing like-minded people; the arts and culture; our respect for humanity and a willingness to strive to make our world a better place. Surely this is where our hearts ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Ara Pachmayer

I got involved with Life Plan Humboldt because I wanted to learn more about the life plan model for my parents (who are my models for aging well!). I think it’s critical for all of us in this region to understand how important it is for our older community members to have the option to stay in this magical place that we call home. I’m happy to support Life Plan Humboldt’s goals and look forward ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Jeanne Albertson

Looking at our local demographics and housing shortage, Life Plan Humboldt makes sense on so many levels. I’m very excited about the prospect of staying in this area and having access to communal services and leisure activities without the responsibilities of maintaining a single family home. — Jeanne Albertson

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Jan Rowen

n the future I will be so ready to live at Life Plan Humboldt! I worked for many happy years as a nurse with new moms and their babies. But since 2004 I have been a caregiver for older people. I’ve even organized teams of caregivers when someone needed more assistance. I know first-hand how hard it is to find people who will travel around this spread out county and dependably provide care. I know ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Debbe Hartridge & Ira Blatt

Each time we return from our travels we appreciate living here even more-the beautiful surroundings, the many creative people, the weather that lets us enjoy the outdoors all year round. We support Life Plan Humboldt and are enthusiastic about being able to stay in our favorite place. We’ve lived in Arcata for many years and see it as a great town in which to grow older, with so many amenities nearby like the Arcata Pool, ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Lori Dengler & Tom Lisle

We’ve sunk deep roots in Humboldt County since we moved here forty-three years ago. It’s a community that is rich in so many ways. We can’t imagine heading elsewhere, but there will come a time when our big empty nest will be more burden than pleasure. We hate the thought of becoming more isolated as we lose some of our mobility and contacts with friends, family, and the community become harder to maintain. The list ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – David & Madeline McMurray

Madeline and I came to Humboldt County in the 1960’s. We bought land in Bayside, built our present home and raised our family here. As we age, there has been a growing awareness that when we can’t or no longer want to maintain our present location we would probably need to move to a senior community near Salem or Portland to be closer to our adult children. This idea of joining a structured community was ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Elly Roversi & Bryn Coriell

We love that Life Plan Humboldt offers seniors a way to live independently without the added responsibility of property upkeep, all in a friendly community! Elly Roversi Bryn Coriell Coldwell Banker Sellers Realty

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Maureen McCready

For me, and I imagine for many moving into what may be the most vulnerable years of our lives, the greatest desire is to remain independent and able to participate in an active and connected lifestyle. This relies, in part, upon living in a community to which we can contribute our unique skills and pursue on-going passions while living in an environment equipped to support us as we move into the potential for frailty. The ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Robin Wolff

I moved to Arcata in 1974 to attend HSU from Southern California and never looked back. I raised a family and had a 25 year career in the aging field as a Clinical Social Worker. My 2 adult children live out of the area and have independent lives. As I begin to think about my own aging and my priorities, I am thrilled about the option of a Life Plan community coming to this area. ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Margie Nulsen

My husband and I love our home that we built on Barry Ridge up in Kneeland 34 years ago. It is hard for us to imaging leaving. However, the model that LPH is proposing makes so much sense for us. Knowing we might be less of a burden to family as we age in a community that has assisted living, memory care and end of life care, provides true solace. The idea of living in ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Peter Aronson

I love HumCo for its natural beauty, vibrant social scene and boundless artist community. Over the past 50 years my family and my career were blessed with a deep appreciation for our healthy, active and supportive community. LPH is well conceived & thoughtfully planned with a universal design rooted in the objectives of comfort, confidence and safety as we become more dependent. I’m strongly attracted to the design of as-needed services available within the community ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Cindy Siemens

I’m not living in Humboldt by accident. I’ve lived in other countries, other climates and other cultures from Alaska to Mexico. I choose to live here as long as I can. LPH gives me that choice and that means so much to me. I have friends who have moved away from their Humboldt home who make nostalgic visits here because it calls to them. I hope not to be separated from my home and yet ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Glenn Siegfried

I grew up in the Midwest and always wanted to live on the West Coast. 36 years ago I made the big move and ended up in majestic Humboldt County. I met my wife here, raised a family, and developed my medical career. I realize that someday I will not want to take care of my home and property. Moving to LPH life plan community will allow me to stay in this corner of California. ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Margaret Augustine

For 25 years I have benefited from the culture/lifestyle of Humboldt County and enjoyed its beautiful environment. In my senior years, I want to remain here. I love my little abode, but Life Plan Humboldt will become my second home which will provide the medical and social options needed for my “golden” years. I support LPH and applaud its staff who will make LPH possible for Humboldt County. Margaret Augustine

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Diane Minton

I support LPH and applaud the vibrant team spearheading this project. LPH offers choices where none currently exist, to enjoy Humboldt’s natural wonders and lifestyle for years to come. Diane Minton

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Mary Keehn

I love my home, the privacy it’s four acres provide, and the memories of building it with my husband over twenty years ago are very precious. Why would I consider moving? My husband Roger died at home from cancer more than 10 years ago. I remain so grateful we could be in our home. Our five daughters tag teamed and one was almost always here making the last few months of his life surprisingly rich. Even with ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Rees & Amy

Community has always been very important to both of us. It is difficult to imagine leaving Humboldt County but there will be a time when our large two-story house and yard with all of the maintenance challenges will no longer be practical. We would love to have an option like Life Plan Humboldt that would allow us to stay local as we age near the people and the vibrant community that we love. Rees Hughes ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Judy & Buzz Webb

We do not need all the house that was once perfect for raising our family. Then it was so nice to be close to their schools, to the beach and access to other outdoor activities. Grand for parties – slumber parties and gathering with friends. That worked out well for those times. Now want to live “smaller” and closer to other people our age and interests, closer to services we need. Humboldt Life Plan comes ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Joyce Plath

It is comforting to imagine that my medical needs could be met in a way that would protect my end of life wishes. More immediately though I am drawn to this living arrangement by a strong desire for community. I have a perfectly fine home in central Arcata but miss the easy casual social interactions I experienced living in cohousing. I am excited about living in an environment where have friends to share cooking interesting ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Roberta Duggan

Hopes, dreams and the best planning cannot always prepare us for unexpected health events that suddenly alter the ability to live independently. I learned this first hand when my late husband developed Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. His rapid health decline rendered him unable to live independently or work outside the home. I transitioned from wife to wife/caregiver. When I could no longer care for him at home, it was necessary for him to reside in ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Star Siegfried

I am heading into my retirement years and have been so concerned about what, how and where I will live. I am thrilled that Life Plan Humboldt is working towards a local community. LPH vision is my vision, LPH core values are in line with my values and the next steps will be exciting. I am already thinking about how to decorate my new sweet cottage. I’m already thinking about making new friends, working in ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Julie Fulkerson

In recent years, I have had three very good friends move out of the area to housing similar to Life Plan Humboldt’s vision. They have, under difficult circumstances, adjusted to completely new surroundings and attempted to make new friends. They have left life-long friends and connections and community events that they had been a part of including arts theater and music, education, HSU, the Marsh, the Pool, birding and endless walks in nature with lifelong ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Jen Pace

My personal interest in Life Plan Humboldt comes from lived experience caring for my parents. When they moved here to be near me, my mother was 75 and my father was 80. They both lived to be nearly 100. Caring for them, became an increasing part of my life for more than 10 years. As both witness and participant in their aging lives, I learned far more than I ever imagined needing to know. What ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Rick Littlefield

As a 45 year resident of Humboldt county and an alumnus of HSU, I have invested the greater portion of my life here. in fact, I consider myself “Half a Local” since I have lived more than half my life in Humboldt. I fully expect to live out my days in Humboldt. Coming from a family of 13 children, I have always been about family, which extends out to the larger community. My wife and ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Sandra Tiles

For the last 52 years I have lived off grid, with no public services. With my children and grandchildren all living in other areas, I know that someday I will no longer be able maintain my home and my “back to the land” lifestyle. The possibility of staying in the area, near my friends, and being able to live both independently and in community is a dream come true for me. The proposed support managing ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Gail Popham

I moved to the north coast because I was looking for small-town atmosphere, near a university, on the west coast, with moderate weather and a reasonable cost of living. The only place that met those criteria was the Eureka-Arcata-McKinleyville area! I was fortunate to spend my career as a biologist working here. Now that I am retired I am looking to live out my life in a community of 50+ people. To live in the Life Plan ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Edie Butler

Change can happen so suddenly and alter so much in our lives. My husband and I had been slowly entertaining the idea of moving from our out-in-the-country place to town for the past few years. Then a sudden health change happened and I could see how difficult it would be to have to get a home ready to be sold, sold, and ourselves moved to town and still juggle the new health circumstances. I was ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Dave Marshak

My father resisted moving into a community like Life Plan Humboldt for several years, even after my mother could no longer go up or down the stairs from their second floor condo by herself. Finally a fire in a nearby building broke through my father’s resistance, and my parents moved into a nearby 3-level facility. I could see very soon that this move greatly improved my parents’ quality of life. My mother, a very social ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Judith Williamson

Hard to admit, but if I live long enough, help on many levels may be required. Probably a lot of it. Even if my mate and I both live long, we’ll likely need assistance. Without children or family to rely on, some form of assisted living (at least) seems inevitable. Yet being very private people, this has always been an unwelcome awareness — an outright dread, in fact. However, Life Plan Humboldt now presents a ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Tina MacKenzie

I look around our home and think about the burden We’d be leaving for our kids to untangle when we die. They would take care of things but I’d rather we choose to do it differently. We don’t need the amount of space we currently have. We live in about half of our home most of the time. So, why not make a move while we’re healthy and young enough to enjoy the adventure and ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – Willa Mauro

When I think of the possibility of living at Life Plan Humboldt I see myself living in a community of friends and acquaintances with nearby neighbors providing companionship, rather like an old-fashioned village. I think there could be a welcome simplicity to life, with, for example, a reduced need to drive to the supermarket or the gym. I would not have a large house and yard to care for, but I would be able to ...

Why Life Plan Humboldt? – John and Quynh Schafer

We left New Orleans in 1981 and have been living here in Arcata ever since. We both worked for Humboldt State University: John taught in the English department and I was a reference librarian in the library. We both love Humboldt County. We appreciate the small-town atmosphere and the intellectual and cultural stimulation provided by Humboldt State University. We retired long ago and both our grownup children have their own families and live in the ...

Help Design Our Life Plan Humboldt Community

Because we want to stay in this beautiful area, a group of local individuals is committed to building and managing a not-for-profit, inclusive life plan community that’s focused on active, mindful, engaged aging in Humboldt County.

Life plan communities offer a continuum of living situations, from independent living to assisted living to memory care. A person can age in community, accessing higher levels of care as needed.

Life Plan Humboldt is projecting 144 cottages and apartments, plus up to 60 homes developed separately as affordable senior housing.

Take the Life Plan Humboldt Move-In-Survey which will be used to help us decide what features and amenities will be part of the design of our community. It will also help us gauge who is interested in moving in to our community once built.

Click Here to take the Move-In Survey

Examples of Other Communities

See how Life Plan Communities have become successful in other areas

Enso Village – Healdsburg, CA

Enso Village is a Zen-inspired Life Plan Community with a focus on mindful aging, the joys of nature, environmental stewardship, contemplative care and healthy life choices for adults 60+. Enso Village is presently under construction in Healdsburg, CA. Enzo Village – Schedule of Fees (PDF) Enso Village Website

Rose Villa – Portland, OR

Rose Villa is a nonprofit, single-site Continuing Plan Retirement Community (CCRC), also known as a Life Plan Community. Founded in 1960 we are located on 22 lush acres overlooking the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, and we boast a long and memorable history in helping older adults live lives full of self-purpose, independence and autonomy. Rose Villa Website

Lathrop Community – Northhampton & Easthampton, MA

Live in a dynamic community where residents prize lifelong learning, honor diversity, and embrace purposeful living. Set amidst the inspiring beauty and social progressiveness of western Massachusetts, Lathrop combines a strong sense of place rooted in Quaker values. At Lathrop, you can be who you are and do what you love with the encouragement and support of caring neighbors and staff. The Lathrop Community welcomes adults 55 and older of all ethnicities, religions, sexual orientation ...

Kendal at Hanover – Hanover, CT

Located in the quintessential New England college town of Hanover, New Hampshire, Kendal at Hanover offers a vibrant life plan community. This personalized continuum of care encompasses independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing care. Other unique benefits include the on-site Dartmouth-Hitchcock Kendal Clinic, serving as the primary care provider to residents, access to life-long learning opportunities, and intergenerational programs within our Early Learning Center. Kendal at Hanover is home to 400 people on a beautiful ...

Roque Valley Manor – Medford, OR

Rogue Valley Manor is a not-for-profit Life Plan Community in Medford, Oregon. The Manor is a thriving, bustling village of nearly 1,000 residents, with a sprawling, magnificent 668-acre campus that’s full of active, engaging ways to spend time. Social interaction, a critical aspect of healthy aging, is never in short supply, whether it’s sharing delicious meals at their restaurants, attending classes and interest groups, playing golf at their on-site course or just spending quality time ...

Clark-Lindsey – Urbana, IL

Situated on 27 acres bordering East Central Illinois Urbana’s Meadowbrook Park, Clark-Lindsey is a not-for-profit life plan community, or continuing care retirement community, located on the edge of the beautiful University of Illinois campus. For more than 40 years, they have provided residents with exceptional services, which has earned them an outstanding reputation throughout the nation. Clark-Lindsey Website