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The Worst Possible LocationFar From DowntownThe City of Sacramento is placed a homeless shelter, here, in suburban Arden & Carmichael. The homeless shelter occupies the building vacated by the Space & Science Museum. The City is euphemistically calling the center a "respite center", "cooling and warning center", and "engagement center". It will be within feet of the Children's Receiving Home. This location is far from Downtown and City Hall. In fact, it is as far away as possible from Downtown - on the eastern-most boundaries of the City's land. This is within feet of Del Paso Regional Park. The homeless shelter will include 50-full time beds. Near to Our Homes and SchoolsThe map below shows the proposed location of the homeless shelter. The red dot marks everything within 1/8 of a mile. This will be the City's "target" area of the homeless shelter. The light red circle marks all the homes, businesses, and schools within 1 mile of the homeless shelter. This encompasses:
The remaining circles mark ranges of 1.5 miles (dark orange), 2 miles (light orange), and 2.5 miles (yellow). Children in DangerThe Children's Receiving HomeThe Children's Receiving Home is a refuge for children from abusive or neglectful homes. The Home has served the children of Sacramento for decades - providing a safe haven from drugs, alcohol, mental illness, and violence. Most of the children have suffered from physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. They are in desperate need for stability, love, and safety. The presence of homeless population within feet of the Children Receiving Home could further traumatize the children. The ThreatsThe homeless disproportionally suffer from drug addiction and mental illness. The homeless shelter doesn't offer any treatment. Sadly, in their current state, homeless can be a threat to themselves and others. This includes the following problems that accompany homeless camps.
Watch & Listen to the ExpertsCharles Duckworth - Community LeaderThe following clip is from the August 23, 2022 meeting of the Sacramento City Council. Charles Duckworth reports that he found over 20 used needles mere yards from the Children's Receiving Home. City Tried to Create It SecretlyThe City first attempted to open the homeless shelter without, first, warning Children's Receiving Home or the community. In fact, no one was warned.
As shocking as it sounds, Sacramento City Council attempted to create the site on "consent calendar". There was no debate. There were no public hearings.
Damage DoneIn less than a week after the homeless shelter opened, Arden & Carmichael experienced a spike in both homeless camps and crime. The warnings and pleas from the July 26, 2022 City Hall Meeting have come true. The following pictures were taken on October 4, 2022 in Del Paso Regional Park. This was shortly after the homeless shelter opened.
In addition, the following events have occurred due to the Homeless Shelter:
The homeless desperately need help - to either treat drug addiction and/or debilitating mental illness. The City's policy, of abandoning homeless in the County, endangers not only at-risk children, the environment, and families, but also, the homeless themselves. There are real solutions to help the homeless; this is not one of them. |