Help for Sacramento Homeless Camps

As COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus) spreads throughout out the community, our most vulnerable residents are at risk. Currently, approximately 11,000 unsheltered homeless live in camps in the Sacramento area, and more than 60% of them over the age of 35.

Statistics:

93% from the Sacramento area
61% over the age of 35
20% are families with children

Health officials have said people must wash their hands to prevent spread, and self-quarantine if they are experiencing symptoms -- currently neither one of these solutions is available to the unsheltered population in these camps. I have reached out to city and county elected officials, homeless providers, and health departments to learn about any measures or plans in place to roll out hand washing stations or sanitizer, but have not yet heard of any actions being taken. I am working with organizers on the ground, including the Sacramento Homeless Union, that have indicated there is no water, soap, or sanitizer available for these purposes to date.

For these reasons, I am raising funds to do the following:

1. FOOD/WATER. 

-Providing daily meals and water to the homeless camps alongside other groups.
-Partnership with a commercial kitchen to ramp up the number of meals provided.

2. SURVIVAL GEAR.

-Collecting donations of survival gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and tarps, and distributing them to people in need.

3. SANITATION.

-Coordinating volunteers to build foot pump sinks.
-Purchasing porta potties.

4. MEDICAL/EDUCATION.

-Partnered with Students for a Nation Health Program (SNaHP) to dispatch medical students in the camps to identify symptoms, connect people to care, and educate the community on COVID-19.

Please give what you can as this impacts the public health of ALL of Sacramento.