An End to 11 Years of Homelessness
A couple at SafeGround, a safe camping and parking site operated by First Step Communities, sat eagerly in front of a trailer as they awaited the moment they'd finally move into their home. Their journey had been long, having spent a year at SafeGround, but this departure was strikingly different from their arrival.
Prior to SafeGround, they were living on the streets of Sacramento for approximately
11 years. The challenges they encountered were unimaginable. They shared, "It was crazy out there and they didn't have SafeGrounds. We went through a lot; people stealing from us, people coming over and starting fights, accusing us of stealing their things and we didn't steal anything. There were a lot of crazy things going on out there. She got hurt out there by men.”
While living on the streets held significant danger, living in traditional shelters didn't feel safe either. Many experiencing homelessness, like this resilient couple, are survivors of violence and trafficking. They had attempted shelter, only to find that it, too, inflicted harm. This left them feeling hopeless and unsure of what next steps to take.
Their spark of hope came when they heard about SafeGround. They felt ready for a change, so they took a leap and allowed the City of Sacramento's Department of Community Response to guide them toward a new beginning.
They expressed feeling like a burden while being unsheltered and shared, "We don't want to be in anyone's way. We have emotions and feelings too. It's really hard using the bathroom on the streets and being yelled at by people."
They highlighted how SafeGround helped remove some of this shame. They found solace in caring for themselves and being part of a community that understood their struggles. Shelter settings can feel jarring when one has been disconnected from others. SafeGround supported learning "how to be in the community again."
They passionately described the profound impact of having their basic needs met within the embrace of a supportive community. They said, "It's like we're part of society again. Not feel embarrassed about who we are. Be able to shower everyday and be able to smell good and go out there and do something with our lives instead of just sitting idle and feeling embarrassed. It changed us."
The trauma one of these individuals faced was so severe that they walked into SafeGround nonverbal. As time went on and they received support, they gained the ability to communicate again.
Today, we are happy to share that they have moved into their own apartment with Mercy Housing where they will receive continued mental health support and onsite case management. Escaping homelessness is no easy feat; it takes time, unwavering support, and resilience beyond measure.
How You Can Make an Impact on World Homeless Day
On October 10th, World Homeless Day serves as a reminder of the current needs of those experiencing homelessness and how our community can get involved.
As we reflect on the past winter, it's hard to forget the challenges we faced and the loss many endured. Tents were destroyed and belongings were ruined in the harsh conditions. For those who were walking into a respite, many were leaving with nothing to return to. Adding to the difficulties, many individuals were grappling with health issues.
During this time, the SafeGround Team and Sacramento City Department of Community Response worked together to bring participants indoors. We opened our doors at North A Street and turned it into a respite that offered warmth and safety. In addition, we operated emergency weather respites at Cal Expo and Department of Human Assistance. The city, county and state collaborated to provide these emergency services.
Joseph Pacheco, Chief Operating Officer, shares "Thanks to the collaboration with Sacramento County Department of Homeless Services and Housing, this year we have a plan in place to respond quickly to weather events. We have the staffing resources to open weather respites at a moment's notice."
Now, as we prepare for this upcoming winter season, we're inviting our community to support. On World Homeless Day, we are setting a goal to raise $5,000. These donations will go directly to toward helping people stay safe and warm during the winter months.
Click the donate button to get involved for World Homeless Day and join us in our mission to support our community this winter.
Adopt a Cabin Program Coming Soon
We've completed Phase 1 and 2 at The Grove, successfully building 50 tiny cabins to support transitional age youth. Now, as we embark on Phase 3, our vision goes beyond providing shelter – we're committed to transforming these tiny cabins into loving homes, fostering an environment of true healing. We're excited to announce the launch of this program, inviting our community to become even more involved in creating positive change at The Grove. In the coming weeks, we will be sending out further details.
FSC Board Member Travels to Patagonia
Ron Javor, our board member and supporter, is proudly sporting our sweater amidst the stunning backdrop of Patagonia! Ron, we hope you're having a fantastic time, and we're excited for your return.
Comments