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There is much work ahead to end homelessness on the streets of Sacramento. But already there is great news – and “best practice” distinction for our city.
The big news involves the housing of more than 1,160 families through an innovative program involving federal stimulus money and the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency.
The success of rapidly finding housing for all those people exceeds everyone’s greatest expectations and has grabbed the attention of federal officials in Washington and cities across the nation.
We did it cooperatively and collaboratively. We made use of existing home inventories, and worked hard to create appropriate opportunities for vulnerable people.
The program is one critical piece of the “Sacramento Steps Forward” initiative.
The goal is a hand up, not a hand out. It allows people to get back on their feet and be productive during this period of economic crisis.
Residents receiving housing assistance are required to show income or benefits that provide them with a viable cash flow. The stimulus dollars go toward subsidizing their rents for a specific time, using housing that would otherwise sit vacant. Ultimately, we will build new housing to help satisfy demand, including housing for those with no income.
The success in finding more than 1,160 homes is a huge victory for Sacramento. Already, we are fielding phone calls from communities interested in learning the secrets to our success.
There really is no secret. Success has been built on hard work and initiative, combined with a common understanding that we are all in this crisis together.
Another example of our community’s success is the “One Day to End Homelessness” program established cooperatively by the faith-based community.
By asking church members to contribute a one-day portion of their monthly rent or mortgage, the faith community raised more than $400,000, triggering more than $1.6 million in grants to ease the crisis.
These are examples of our community’s broad-based, coordinated attack on homelessness. The problem has many pieces, and each piece needs special attention.
But together, collaboratively, and with long-term vision, we can end homelessness in the city and county of Sacramento. We have already taken the first steps.
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