John O’Connor, flying his sign at the entrance to the Valley West shopping center, said he’ll head for Walla Walla in a couple of weeks. He thinks he’ll get help finding a job there. Photo by Heidi Walters

Alessa Bakkum was busking for some room money for her and her boyfriend last week in Arcata’s Valley West shopping center. She’s just traveling and playing her music, she said, before she heads home to Minnesota for the holidays. Photo by Heidi Walters

Rosey McDonald was waiting inside the Arcata Service Center last week waiting for assistance in getting into an apartment. She said she’s begged for money in the past, but now things are looking up. Photo by Heidi Walters