FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 25, 2020

Media Contact:
Janna Haynes
916-661-1950
haynesja@saccounty.net

The Sacramento Homelessness COVID-19 Response Team released today a coordinated framework and
action plan to help meet the needs of those experiencing homelessness during this current public health
crisis. The team is comprised of representatives from several Sacramento County departments, the City
of Sacramento, Sacramento Steps Forward and Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency
(SHRA).

In the midst of the current public health pandemic of COVID-19, and particularly in response to the
“stay-at-home” orders, both locally and statewide, the Homelessness Response Team has been working
for several weeks to address the needs and challenges of this particularly vulnerable and often, high risk,
population that doesn’t have a home to stay in or access to basic hygiene supplies.

The purpose of the HomelessnessCOVID-19 Response Team is to proactively plan, slow the spread of
COVID-19 in persons experiencing homelessness and create and operationalize new shelter capacity
through a variety of traditional and non-traditional means.

Currently underway or already completed:

 Adding 200 beds in existing shelter programs consistent with CDC guidance for shelters.
 Operationalizing 200 motel rooms with services in the short-term, with a goal of 800 rooms.
 63 trailers expected to be delivered to Cal Expo this week.
 SHRA expediting 200 Housing Choice Vouchers for homeless families.
 Sanitation supplies have been delivered to 14 homeless service providers.
 Food and medicine distribution underway for higher-risk clients.
 Held initial conference call on safety protocols for homeless service providers with County Public
Health.

The team continues to explore new ways to expand shelter and program capacity in both traditional and
non-traditional ways.

The attached fact sheet provides more information about the current, upcoming and ongoing action
plans to help slow the spread and impact of COVID-19 in the local homeless population. While there is a
lot of activity happening currently surrounding this response, please also recognize that this will be a
long-term action plan that may change as situations evolve.

Please email covid-19@SacStepsForward.org for additional information and with any non-media
questions.