What's Happening in Sacramento, CA…

City and county officials in Sacramento have approved funds to provide services at encampments and beds for homeless people at this time.

Poster printing is often used so homeless people will know where they can find shelter.

Of the $15m allocated, $13.7m will be for beds, 850 of which will be in motels, 80 in existing shelters, and 60 in state recreational vehicles at Cal Expo. The plan also includes the expenditure of $1.2m for 50 sanitation stations; 500 meals a day; and outreach, transportation, and other supplies such as toilets and sinks at the 10 to 20 encampments in the city and county. The funds are coming from both state and federal sources, including the stimulus package.

Darrell Steinberg, mayor of Sacramento, expressed his satisfaction with the plan, which he considered to be comprehensive. He added that as people who take these beds find more permanent housing, other people will be allowed to move in. The real challenge, he said, is finding permanent housing for these people that are more than long-term leases.

To qualify for these beds, an officer or deputy, an existing emergency shelter, or a hospital needs to refer the homeless individuals. They can also be referred by an outreach worker from Sacramento Self Help Housing, Sacramento Steps Forward, or another provider of services for the homeless.