Now those with very low income may have a new address to move to near Dudley and Freedom Park on the former McClellan Air Field. What we’re finding out is that these neighbors may be former homeless.
The Sacramento Mutual Housing Association announced at a Community Political Action Committee meeting in April that they would be breaking ground on a new affordable housing model – but the residents in many of their new lofts and apartments would be the chronic homeless and those who were homeless with disabilities. The organization already has properties located throughout North Sacramento, Foothill Farms, South Sacramento and one property in Stockton. There are plans to open a similar facility in Davis.
According the SMHA website, none of these existing locations do what the North Highlands location expects to in specifically serving the homeless. Planned for 2010, the project will house 90 units including studio apartments, town homes and lofts for seniors, and people who
Rendering of the Main Courtyard of Housing Project
currently have low to no income. Both the Lutheran Social Services of Northern California and the Sacramento Department of Health and Human Services will be providing some resources to the residents.
Concerns are that nearby Freedom Park will be surrounded by this new model of “transitional housing.” Serna Village, also located on McClellan, houses those who were formerly homeless. Some say a brand new park coupled with a population used to days and nights spent in public places will draw loitering and vagrancy, deterring North area families. Others think that while the plan is noble, the focus should be on providing more options for those in more moderate-income categories.
On Thursday, May 1, the project was presented at the Visions Task Force Meeting in North Highlands by the land owners and project developers. A representative from the County Planning office and concerned residents were present to discuss the venture. To witness the conversation, visit www.video.northsacnews.com.
More information about the project is available at
www.mutualhousing.com. Look under “Our communities; New Developments” and “SMHA News: Annual Accomplishments”.