River District Council addresses growing homelessness crisis with community input

During the Sacramento City Council meeting on April 29, 2025, pressing issues surrounding homelessness and its impact on the River District were at the forefront of discussions. The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the unhoused population in the area, which has seen a significant increase since the closure of state mental hospitals in the 1980s and the elimination of federal funding for mental health institutions. The convergence of these historical factors, coupled with recent crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in state legislation, has exacerbated the homelessness crisis in Sacramento.

Community members voiced their frustrations regarding the concentration of encampments in the River District, emphasizing the negative effects on local businesses and public safety. Greta Leachin, a board member of the River District, pointed out that the existing 311 system for reporting issues related to homelessness is ineffective for businesses, as many customers are reluctant to call. She called for a more robust and ongoing cleanup and enforcement strategy to address the visible encampments that spill into public spaces.

Megan Marshall, representing the California Interagency Council on Homelessness, acknowledged the city's budget constraints but urged council members to maintain their commitment to expanding shelter capacity and outreach efforts. She cautioned against introducing fees for homelessness services, arguing that such measures could deter individuals from seeking help and ultimately increase long-term costs associated with homelessness.

Several business owners, including Josh Daniels and Mark Caso, shared personal accounts of how the presence of encampments has affected their operations and property values. They expressed a sense of urgency for the city to implement effective solutions, citing the need for safe spaces for unhoused individuals and the importance of addressing the root causes of homelessness.

The meeting also featured voices advocating for a more humane approach to homelessness. Herman Barahona, founder of the Sacramento Environmental Justice Coalition, emphasized the necessity of including the perspectives of those directly affected by homelessness in policy-making processes. He highlighted the tragic consequences of neglecting this population, referencing the deaths of individuals who had been evicted from encampments without adequate support.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the city faces a complex challenge in addressing homelessness. The discussions underscored the need for collaborative efforts that prioritize both the safety of residents and the dignity of those experiencing homelessness. Moving forward, the council will need to navigate budgetary constraints while seeking innovative solutions that address the multifaceted nature of this crisis.