On August 10, 2021 Sacramento City Council will vote to approve safe ground sites throughout our Sacramento communities.
Some facts:
- The first city “Safe Ground” was established by Councilperson Katie Valenzuela under the W/X & 6th portion of the Capital City Freeway. It houses approximately 100-150 people experiencing homelessness. The lot has two distinct spaces: One is for tent camping; the other is for safe parking for vehicles. Another safe ground has been established at Miller Park by the river.
- Crime statistics for the area surrounding the W/X & 6th Safe Ground has doubled since its’ opening in March 2021 W&X Safe Ground CFS July 2021
- Sacramento police are underfunded, understaffed and response times can be longer than expected. Details for a robust security and law enforcement plan for the area surrounding all safe ground sites hasn’t been made clear by city leaders. This is worrisome as drug dealing and use, assaults and other crimes gravitate towards safe ground locations.
- Another shelter has been erected and should be opened in the fall along Alhambra Blvd. Broadway is also expected to house another 100 homeless people.
To review the LPCA recent press release on this topic please go to: LPCA PR 7-29-21
Below is an excerpt from Council Member Valenzuela’s Homelessness Task Force Strategy (from April 2021) regarding Tiny Home Villages (target launch date: mid/late 2021)
○ With very limited public lots to support more transitional housing, target sites are Caltrans parking lots located at:
- Between R and S Street, 29th and 30th Street under Business 80
- Between 15th and 16th Streets under WX (after construction)
- Between 18th and 19th Streets under WX (after construction)
- Between 20th and 21st Streets under WX (after construction)
- Between 21st and 22nd Streets under WX (after construction)
- Between 22nd and 23rd Streets under WX (after construction)
- Between 23rd and 24th Streets under WX (after construction)
Note: we’d leave the lots between 6th and 8th Street open for the farmer’s market but would seek to establish a navigation center close to the corner of W and 8th Street. Based on conversations with Caltrans staff, estimate about 40 homes per lot, equaling just over 250 tiny homes.
○ Potential Homeless Shelter sites (pending staff review and site negotiations):
- YMCA (for overnight parking, up to 25 spots)
- Former Winter Sanctuary program sites (up to 100 spots)
- City parking lots (staff is working on a list of underutilized lots, assuming
- 50 spots for 2 lots)
- Vacant Rite Aid at 21st/S Streets (up to 50 spots)
If you would like to provide feedback at the August 10th city council meeting;
- Look up the upcoming meeting and review the agenda https://www.cityofsacramento.org/Clerk/Meetings-and-Agendas
- Attend the meeting by following the new ZOOM process (you can call or use a computer): https://sacramentocityexpress.com/2021/07/19/the-city-has-updated-its-public-comment-system-for-meetings-heres-what-you-need-to-know-to-participate/
- E-Comments: To ensure your statements are in the official public record of any agenda, go to the online agenda and make an e-comment. You will see the e-
To see local new reports on the opening of District 4 Safe Grounds Sites in March;
https://www.kcra.com/article/sacramento-opens-second-safe-ground-site-homeless-individuals/36085144
To review our recent meeting where safe ground, law enforcement and alternative solutions to homelessness were discussed go to: LPCA Community Meeting 7-21-21 YouTube