The National Weather Service is forecasting overnight temperatures in the low 30s in Sacramento Friday and Saturday nights. The City of Sacramento is opening three respite centers so people experiencing homelessness can come inside during the worst of the cold weather.
City Hall Lobby, at 915 I St., the Hagginwood Community Center, at 3271 Marysville Blvd., and Capitol City Seventh-Day Adventist Church, at 6701 Lemon Hill Ave. will be open Friday and Saturday nights (Dec. 31 and Jan. 1) from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
The City will review the weather forecast later this week and determine if the respite centers should be extended into Sunday night. The Department of Community Response is also working with community partners to identify additional locations that could be used as temporary respite centers.
The respite centers will provide a warm place to stay, snacks, water, and restrooms. Both locations have covered, protected outdoor space that can accommodate pets in kennels.
The City has approximately 1,000 beds in various settings for people experiencing homelessness, but they are currently full, and the respite centers offer an alternative to those most vulnerable during this cold weather event.
This article was updated to reflect the addition of a third respite center at Capitol City Seventh-Day Adventist Church.