In partnership with Volunteers of America (VOA), the City of Sacramento is opening a 2017 Winter Triage Shelter to bring services and housing to those most in need. Preparations are underway to get the shelter open as soon as possible.
What is the Winter Triage Shelter?
- It is a low-barrier shelter, meaning no one will be turned away because they have a pet or possessions, have been dismissed from other programs, or due to behavioral health or disabilities
- It offers a variety of client-centered services and supports (health care, housing search/location, case management, veterinarian, etc.) all focused on the goal of helping to move people into permanent housing
- It fully embraces “housing first” principles, an approach to quickly and successfully connect individuals experiencing homelessness to permanent housing without barriers to entry
Shelter Access
Access to the Winter Triage Shelter is by referral only. The City’s Police Impact Team and outreach partners through the City’s Pathways to Health + Home Program will identify people in need of shelter and arrange for intake and transportation.
There are no walk-up referrals to the site. If you believe that you know of someone who could benefit from the services at the Winter Triage Shelter, please report their encampment location via the City’s 311 system to bring it to the attention of the Impact and outreach teams.
Amenities
The Winter Triage Shelter is open to guests 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There will be restrooms and showers on site, and VOA will provide laundry services. Guests will be provided three meals a day, as well as a variety of services and programming to encourage guest to stay on site and work towards housing, employment, or other individualized goals.
How You Can Help
Donating to the shelter
Volunteers of America happily accepts donations for the shelter of items from their Amazon wish list. Donations of used items are not accepted and no donations can be received on site.
Volunteering at the shelter or another program
Learn more about volunteering at VOA programs.
There are also other opportunities to volunteer with organizations throughout the community working with homeless populations. Learn more about other organizations.
Addressing Community Impacts
While the shelter is in operation, the City is increasing Sacramento Police Department patrols and Impact teams. The City is also stepping up debris clean-up and community beautification projects. Read more information on the City’s efforts or what you can do to help address homelessness.