SACRAMENTO — New numbers show just what impact outreach efforts are having on Sacramento County’s homeless population. In the first half of 2024, more than 250 people found places to live.
Sacramento County said it spent over $220 million last year on homeless services. However, critics say the money isn’t making enough of a difference.
“We are investing and we’re now seeing the payoff,” Sheri Green said.
Green manages the Sacramento County Homeless Engagement and Response Team , known as HEART. She said they’re out nearly every day trying to get people off the streets.
“They’re under bridges. They’re talking to people in cars. They’re down by the river,” Green said.
Several of the outreach workers have been homeless themselves.
“When you talk to somebody who says, ‘I’ve been there, done that. We’re here to help you,’ It’s a much more down-to-earth approach,” Green said.
She said they’re making a difference.