SACRAMENTO, Calif. — People experiencing homelessness are demanding the City of Sacramento do more after they say families were evicted at city-sanctioned shelters.
Four stories were shared on Wednesday evening from people experiencing homelessness. They were disheartened by what they say are unlivable and dangerous conditions offered through the City of Sacramento programs.
Brittany Anderson says she and her family at one shelter went outside to access the bathroom and showered outside.
“I have a five-month-old and a four-year-old. I just could not subject them to anymore,” said Anderson.
Meanwhile, Tanika Williams and her family say their belongings are being held hostage at a motel.
“The property management tried to say that we were served papers from the services step up about our exit, which we have not,” said Williams.
The Sacramento Homeless Union says this has been an ongoing issue, adding that it recently hit a breaking point when five families with 30 kids were evicted from the shelter and put back on the street.
They say the city must do a better job and do a thorough audit of the contractors they hire and make sure the services promised are being offered.
“The city has chosen to turn a blind eye to the serious harm created including physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse,” said Crystal Sanchez, Sacramento Homeless Union.
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg says he cannot comment on the specific cases, but the motel program houses more than 400 people every night. He provided the following statement:
“Our staff assures me that any negative exits generally result from significant rule violations and that the City works to place families who are required to leave, in our other shelters. We are working with our staff and providers to make sure that we have adequate oversight of all of our shelters and are meeting the needs of all of our guests."
But Williams says a lot more needs to get done.
“I want to get my family off the street. I want to go back to work,” said Williams. “I want my life back."
The families say they are speaking out, so other families can find the voice and speak up.
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