By Sacramento Steps Forward
Contact: communications@sacstepsforward.org 

As winter approaches in Sacramento and temperatures drop, life becomes more challenging for those experiencing homelessness. Beyond being cold, daily battles against the elements, unexpected health impacts, and the uncertainty of finding shelter are some of the many realities of being unhoused.

Throughout our region, numerous organizations and efforts work to ease the impact of the season on those experiencing homelessness. Unfortunately, the need often exceeds the resources available.

Homelessness in the Sacramento Region

According to Sacramento’s 2024 Point-In-Time Count, approximately 4,000 households experienced unsheltered homelessness, and 2,700 were in temporary shelters. While many of these individuals and families may have become housed since this January estimate, others in our community have, unfortunately, become homeless.

Our regional homeless response system, supported and coordinated by Sacramento Steps Forward, Sacramento County, and many city jurisdictions does its best to bring services directly to encampments. And, yet, reaching everyone is challenging. Street outreach staff and mobile clinics provide critical assistance. Still many people are reluctant to accept services or to leave their encampments for fear of losing belongings or the safety of familiar surroundings.

Getting services at clinics and a respite from the weather at shelters can be challenging or impossible as well. Knowing where to go, finding transportation, and having identification and paperwork ready for the intake process can be obstacles to necessary treatment.

Our Homelessness Support System

In 2022, the 2-1-1 Sacramento Housing Crisis Line was launched to improve access to resources for unhoused individuals and those at risk of becoming homeless. Available 365 days a year, people can call 2-1-1/*8 for resources and support. Known as the Coordinated Access Service (CAS), the help line is staffed by experts who connect people with shelter options, financial resources, and other services. Despite capacity limits and restrictions—for instance, some shelters don’t accommodate pets or families—CAS serves a vital need in our region in any season. In the winter months, information about respite centers, vaccines, food distribution, and holiday meals is available by calling or accessing the website at: https://www.211sacramento.org/211/ 

Ways for the Community to Help

Donating essential items—food, clothing, and pet supplies—is needed year-round to support our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Seasonal needs such as jackets, blankets, and sleeping bags, are truly lifesaving for those facing the cold and wet weather. Volunteering with a food bank or preparing and serving a meal at a local community center or church can be both a way to give and an incredible opportunity to connect. Extending empathy and understanding is just as important. Most people experiencing homelessness don’t choose this life.

Think of the single mother, working full-time but unable to save enough for rent, or the older individual who lost their spouse and can no longer afford housing. Homelessness has changed. It’s not just people with mental health or addiction issues. Everyone has a story, and many want to get off the streets but don’t know how.

Also, each of us has a role to play, whether through donating, volunteering, or advocating for policy changes. Let’s take this winter as an opportunity to show compassion, empathy, and unwavering support to those most in need. By working together, we can ensure everyone has a real chance to stay safe, healthy, and hopeful through the cold months ahead.

For more information on ways to access resources or opportunities to help, see the following for guidance: