New Grant Aims To Help Sacramento's Homeless Find Permanent Housing
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – A new Sacramento city-funded program is hoping to get people off the streets and into homes.
City leaders are now partnering with the Salvation Army to bring hope to the homeless. Salvation Army officials say an emergency shelter can possibly lead to permanent housing.
"Bad things happen to you out there in the street. It's dangerous," said a woman named Julianna who is getting housing assistance.
Born and raised in Sacramento, Julianna knows.
"Basically, I was homeless for years after my mom passed away in 2010," Julianna said.
Because of her drug addiction, she lost her son to Child Protective Services. But now there are more hugs and kisses.
Julianna says thanks to the Salvation Army's job training program and this transitional apartment complex in North Sacramento, things are looking up.
"Without this program I wouldn't have my family back together and we wouldn't be where we are today," Julianna said.
Major Ivan Wild of the Salvation Army says Julianna is one of many on the rebound.
"So it's really wonderful," Wild said.
He says their stories of hope begin at this temporary emergency shelter on B Street where there were only 20 beds to house homeless women at night.
But now with a $511,000 grant from the City of Sacramento, the Salvation Army has expanded from 20 beds to more than 100 beds.
The funding also pays for additional case managers and job training.
"And really help them to get a job, to get further housing and education and things of that nature," Wild said.
And instead of just a place to sleep, it's now open 24-7.
Julianna hopes to see more homeless men and women graduate from the downtown emergency shelter to where she is now – in transitional housing – and eventually permanent homes.
"There is something other than being homeless. You can be a productive member, you know," Julianna said.
Salvation Army officials say the city is expected to renew funding for the program annually.
