By Michelle Johnson

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The City of Sacramento is moving forward with a fresh strategy to tackle its homelessness issue, particularly focusing on its senior population with the inception of “Micro-Communities for Seniors.” According to a report by the Sacramento City Express, these communities, targeted towards individuals aged 55 and over, aim to provide a more cost-efficient, and intimate shelter alternative to the large congregate setups previously favored.

During a homelessness workshop held last Tuesday, there was considerable discussion surrounding the progress of the initiative, and the City Council received updates on new Safe Camping and Safe Parking sites, along with program details for the Micro-Communities that are to be situated on vacant city-owned parcels. Each of these communities won’t exceed 40 units, and they come equipped with key amenities like heating, air conditioning, and access to supportive services. Brian Pedro, the Director of the Department of Community Response, drives this project with a clear purpose, stating, “The City has made major progress toward providing safe shelter and connections to supportive services, but there are still many people in our community who need a safe place to stay,” as reported by the Sacramento City Express.

Residents within these micro-communities will be asked to contribute up to 30% of their income toward program expenses after a grace period of 90 days and will have 24/7 onsite security. The idea isn’t just about housing seniors, but the program also includes additional daily services: internet, laundry facilities, and ongoing support from caseworkers who aim to reconnect these individuals with society at large.

Current infrastructure includes 18 shelter sites housing 1,375 beds, the operating cost for these sites hovers around $28 million annually, and with state funding projections pointing towards a decline through the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention grants, it’s imperative that Sacramento finds a way to expand its housing options without straining its budget. The Micro-Communities project is a key part of this endeavor as they are less costly to build and maintain. The upcoming sites for the first four Micro-Communities are slated to be at 3511 Arena Boulevard, 6360 25th Street, 2461 Gardendale Road, and a pending location in Council District 7. These sites “were announced at the workshop,” as stated in the Sacramento City Express report.

Eligibility for the program is based on a referral system managed by the Department of Community Response, ensuring that those on fixed incomes who have demonstrated the ability to live independently will be successful participants of the Micro-Community. Other cities in California such as San Jose, San Francisco, and Santa Barbara have initiated similar interim housing programs, though Sacramento’s program is distinct with a program fee to foster self-sufficiency amongst residents.