Sacramento
AI Assisted Icon
Published on January 17, 2025
Sacramento Launches New Safe Stay Community to Address Homelessness CrisisSource: City of Sacramento

A new Safe Stay Community has been established at 6810 Stockton Blvd. through a partnership between the City of Sacramento, Sacramento County, and the State of California, as part of a collective effort to address the ongoing homelessness crisis. Offering 155 tiny homes to accommodate 175 individuals, the facility stands on leased city property and has been funded by a $17.6 million Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) grant dedicated to three years of operation costs, Sacramento City Express reports.

The community setup includes basic amenities such as three daily meals, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and even a computer lab, with the addition of the Sacramento Municipal Utility Department (SMUD) providing support in the way of heating and air conditioning, welcoming pets under conditions. However, there are no walk-up referrals as outreach teams from the City’s Department of Community Response (DCR) manage placements, initially focusing on nearby encampment areas before expanding further. Since the intake process kicked off on Dec. 30, thirty-seven people have already been referred to the Stockton Boulevard site.

Mayor Kevin McCarty recognized the initiative as an example of effective collaboration, while Mayor Pro Tem and District 6 Councilmember Eric Guerra emphasized the importance of the multi-jurisdictional partnership in supporting the district’s revitalization. The new campus provides a range of services, including case management, job readiness programs, and access to medical services and other resources designed to assist individuals experiencing homelessness.

The County Department of Health Services is contributing around $500,000 annually to the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing funds, aimed at enhancing mental health and substance abuse services at the site. First Step Communities will manage the facility, with guests expected to comply with a Code of Conduct and follow a Good Neighbor Policy to support community integration and maintain order. An advisory council will also be established to gather input from local residents and businesses. This facility is part of a larger network of planned or existing Safe Stay Communities across Sacramento County.

This development is a key component of the region's homelessness action plan, RCHAP, which focuses on reducing homelessness, improving access to services, and increasing system transparency. The plan includes approximately 1,375 emergency beds available nightly in the City of Sacramento, along with extended programs such as motel initiatives and the Street to Housing project. These efforts aim to provide a more comprehensive response to homelessness in the area.