Sacramento Homeless Organizing Committee

A new law in Louisiana criminalizes homelessness and sets the stage for forced treatment or labor.

HB 211, signed into law by Gov. Jeff Landry (R) on June 9, would make it a crime to sleep on public property.

If an unhoused person is arrested, they could face a fine of up to $500 or jail for up to six months for their first offense. They could also avoid jail by either entering a 12-month treatment program (for which they’d have to pay) or perform unpaid labor.

The National Homelessness Law Center calls this “one of the cruelest, most extreme anti-homeless bills anywhere in the country.”

“HB 211 is a step backward, pushing us further from real solutions and toward policies that harm our most vulnerable neighbors,” Chandra Shae Foster, Louisiana State Policy Director for Southern Poverty Law Center, said in a statement. “Criminalizing homelessness will not address its root causes; it will only deepen them.”

Save the Date!

Save the date: Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10-4PM. More detials soon

n partnership with First Step Communities, based on predictions from the National Weather Service, Sacramento County Department of Homeless Services and Housing will activate its hot weather surge capacity at the North A Shelter located at 1400 North A street beginning Wednesday, June 10 through Saturday June 13 from 1 p.m – 8 p.m. daily. Please note this is not a 24 hour/day activation.

Participants can expect a cool, safe space to get respite from the heat, charge their devices, use the restroom and receive a meal. Light case management is also available.

Interested parties should call 2-1-1 before traveling to the respite center to check the capacity.

We will follow-up with a notification if this activation is extended.

Stay Safe in the Heat

Sacramento County Public Health reminds residents to take steps to keep cool during the upcoming heat event. With these seasonably high temperatures expected, it is important that you take precautionary steps to keep yourself, your family, your neighbors and your pets cool, and remember to check on seniors and those with mobility issues at least twice a day.

Keep as cool and hydrated as possible; drink plenty of water, avoid spending time outside, especially during the hottest part of the day, and limit outside activities as much as possible. Cooling down a few hours a day will allow the body to recover and tolerate the heat better for the rest of the day.

Tips for Beating the Heat:

Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of cool water and electrolyte drinks such as propel or Gatorade to replenish hydration. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Limit sun exposure – When possible, stay in air conditioning on hot days. If you don’t have air conditioning, take cool showers or freeze a wet cloth to wipe down your head and neck.
Check on loved ones – Be sure to check on less mobile or older friends, family and neighbors who live alone, don’t have air conditioning or are hesitant to use their air conditioner.
Clothing - Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing
Avoid the hottest part of the day – If you have to be outside, try to stick to the cooler morning and evening hours. Wear light, loose clothing and take frequent, shaded or air-conditioned breaks. Do not exercise outside during the hottest part of the day.
Beware of hot cars – Never leave a person or a pet in a parked car, even for a short time. On a mild 80-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 100-degrees in fewer than 10 minutes.
Keep your pets cool – Give your pets plenty of fresh, clean water. Don’t exercise your pets in high temperatures or when the pavement is hot. Make sure they have a shady place to get out of the sun or bring them indoors.
Sunscreen – Protect your skin against cancer, burns and skin damage by using SPF 30 or higher.
Stay informed – Watch your local weather forecasts so you can plan outdoor activities safely and pay attention to any extreme heat alerts.
Take advantage of cooling spaces – utilize cooling spaces such as libraries or shopping centers, or cooling centers when available.

‘System-wide failure’, Sacramento homeless advocates call for accountability after dozens of families displaced After the city transitioned their motel program to a voucher system, 25 families were displaced after motels denied use of their vouchers.