The people Betty helps are usually “beyond” any social safety net. They are often experiencing mental illness with serious trust issues; the poor below the poor, veterans, victims of domestic violence, runaways, and children. They are people that have fallen on hard luck and given up hope of anyone caring. They are people facing enormous obstacles which often render them unable to get services from agencies. They live in the bushes, or in their car if they are lucky enough to have one. Betty gives them hope each day, a reason to get up in the morning, knowing they are loved, that someone cares. And over time, Betty is often able to help lift these individuals up to where they have a chance to move forward. Though these are Betty's official services, Betty does her best to meet the needs of every person who walks through her door, going the extra mile to help those in need.
What She Does
"Everything I do is a way of saying thanks to those who showed me kindness when I needed it." -Betty Chinn
Meals
Prepares and delivers meals twice a day rain or shine
Monthly food deliveries to families
Services
Helps people off the streets
Provides clean clothes and blankets
Pays for medical prescriptions
Family Services
Family reunification
Transports kids to and from school
How it Started
Betty's Blue Angel began 37 years ago when Betty would stand on the corner of streets, offering sandwiches to anyone in need. After a rocky beginning with the community, Betty has created a place for herself as a do-er. Rather then standing by, Betty garnered community and city support by showing her genuine care and dedication to helping the homeless in Humboldt County. As she often likes to say, she genuinely loves and empathizes with each and every single client she encounters.