5 things to know about Sacramento’s plan to tackle homelessness
The Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency presented a five-point plan to tackle homelessness to city leaders Tuesday night.
The two-year funding proposal is a compilation of ideas from several city council members in response to Mayor Darrell Steinberg challenging city leaders last year to identify housing options for the homeless. This plan is being in considered alongside previously approved shelter proposals.
Here are the five points outlined in the proposal:
1) Scattered sites
Councilmembers Angelique Ashby and Larry Carr are proposing the city offer individual, scattered housing for homeless families in north and south Sacramento.
While the city of Sacramento has approved large, low-barrier shelters in the past, Ashby said the homeless crisis cannot be solved by a one-size-fits-all solution. With this plan, she said the city would diversify its efforts by offering individualized housing, like apartments, to 50 families each year. The city would enter a master lease agreement with property owners, but those locations will not be disclosed to keep homeless families safe.
“They have anonymity. And they are embedded in the community with everybody else and they have an opportunity to have a normal life with their kids in school,” Ashby said. “But, the difference between you and them is that they have intensive case management help to address the issues that they face as a formally homeless person.”
The two-year cost for this proposal is $5.2 million. The plan aims to help 300 homeless people.
2) Overnight parking
Councilmember Rick Jennings proposed offering overnight parking for up to 50 vehicles, including RVs, where homeless people can safely sleep in their cars.
The Sacramento Police Department and other city departments would monitor security, sanitation, restrooms, showers and re-housing services.
The two-year cost for this proposal ranges from $1.5 to $2.2 million. The plan aims to help 360 homeless people.
3) Tents and sleeping cabins
Councilmembers Allen Warren and Jeff Harris proposed providing 100 tents or 50 sleeping cabins for homeless people, including their belongings and their pets, in districts two and three.
The Sacramento Police Department and other city departments would monitor security, sanitation, restrooms, showers and re-housing services.
The two-year cost for tents is $5.8 million. The two-year cost for sleeping cabins is $5.5 million. The plans aim to help 300 homeless people.
4) Motel conversion
Councilmember Jeff Harris is recommending the city provide predevelopment funds to convert another motel, like the Capitol Park Hotel, into an emergency shelter.
The money would be used for legal fees, construction drawings, permits and other related costs.
The two-year cost for predevelopment and construction is $8.7 million. The plan aims to help 400 homeless people.
5) Permanent Housing Funding
The SHRA is recommending the city provide up to $10 million for the construction of 100 permanent supportive housing units by 2025.
The money would be used for mortgage revenue bonds, tax credits and other programs.