The City of Sacramento has taken a decisive step in expanding efforts to support its homeless population by contracting with The Gathering Inn to operate a newly enlarged segment of the Roseville Road shelter-and-service campus. This initiative is aimed at assisting those who find themselves without a roof over their heads along the Sacramento Northern Parkway, as reported by Sacramento City Express.
As part of the expansion, "RRC North" will include 100 cabins that cater to the needs of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, complete with 24/7 services. Notably, in a move to accommodate a more diverse population of those in need, pets will be allowed in up to 50% of the units, a provision that acknowledges the companionship they provide to many individuals facing tough times.
Meanwhile, First Step Communities will remain as the operator for the southern portion of the campus, which collectively looks to broaden the spectrum of support services available. Brian Pedro, director of the Department of Community Response (DCR), emphasized the impact of the expansion. "Expanding the Roseville Road campus strengthens the City’s ability to connect people with safe shelter, services and a pathway to housing," he underscored in a statement released by the Sacramento City Express.
The cabins offered as shelter spaces will be thoroughly equipped with electricity and individual heating, and air conditioning systems to ensure a comfortable living environment, something especially important as the seasons change. The facilities are slated to be ready for occupancy within a few weeks, ushering in a new era of comprehensive care for the city's homeless population.
Funding for this notable project emanates from a substantial Encampment Resolution Funds grant totaling $12.35 million, awarded to the city in October 2024 by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. This grant is earmarked for construction of the additional tiny homes, improvements to the existing infrastructure, and two years of operational programming for the expanded campus.
While the contract with The Gathering Inn, acceded through a Request for Proposals process and valued at $2.7 million, will sustain operations until the end of 2026, the Roseville Road campus has already been making tangible differences in the lives of individuals. Since its inception in 2024, this former U.S. Air National Guard facility turned community haven has sheltered around 100 people in tiny homes and served 399 individuals, a figure that speaks to the vital need for such services.
With the Roseville Road expansion, Sacramento demonstrates an ongoing commitment to its homeless services, which currently include approximately 1,375 shelter spaces provided each night through navigation centers, a motel program, and other resources.
