Where/how to best serve unhoused neighbors in Rancho Cordova?
Other than donating to local orgs and volunteering with our local food bank, what are some other ways to better support our unhoused neighbors?
(PLEASE no negativity or debates, I’d like this comment section to simply be a resource for those of us whose hearts are pulled to serve and support our fellow humans.)
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UPDATE: Rancho Cordova resources for unhoused neighbors ❤️** (so far)..**.
I asked this exact same thing on Facebook, Reddit AND Nextdoor and got a ton of genuinely helpful suggestions (except on facebook... curiouser and curiouser...)
ANYWAY, I wanted to compile the best ones here so neighbors who want to help have something easy to save/share… and so we can give someone an actual resource instead of telling them to “just Google it”, when half this stuff DOESN'T COME UP ON A GOOGLE SEARCH!! 😅
🏠 LOCAL / REGIONAL RESOURCES:
Rancho Cordova Homeless Outreach Team: https://www.ranchocordovapd.com/our-teams/homeless-outreach-team
Our city's dedicated outreach team. They can connect unhoused neighbors with outreach/services and a Rancho Cordova Navigator.
Rancho Cordova HART: https://www.ranchocordovahart.org/
Local homeless-assistance coalition offering essentials, referrals, transitional-housing support and programs including Winter Sanctuary.
St. Vincent de Paul / St. Mel Homeless Ministry:
https://svdp-95628.webador.com/homeless-ministry
Fair Oaks-based volunteer outreach that goes directly into the community every Monday and Thursday with bagged lunches, water, toiletries, clothing and other supplies. They may also help connect people with other sources of assistance or guidance. They’re currently looking for volunteers and donations too!
Capital Compassion: https://www.capitalonline.cc/
Local organization supporting homelessness and food insecurity. Their respite services include meals and other basic-needs support; a representative in the comments also shared that they offer showers, laundry and connections to additional agencies.
Wind Youth Services: https://www.windyouthservices.org/
For Sacramento-area youth ages 12–24 experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, including basic-needs services and safe shelter options.
211 Sacramento: https://www.211sacramento.org/211/
Call 2-1-1 and press 8 for homelessness services. They can help connect someone to shelter/services and Sacramento's Coordinated Access System. You can also call 916-498-1000.
NOTE: Some commenters have noted that this service (211) does NOT work as described; callers might be redirected to the general welfare office... this info has not yet been confirmed.
SHRA / Sacramento housing waitlists: https://www.shra.org/
Longer-term housing programs and waitlists can be found through SHRA/SacWaitlist. These are NOT necessarily immediate housing solutions, but it may still be worth helping someone get connected and onto applicable lists.
🎒 EASY WAYS NEIGHBORS CAN HELP:
Keep water, snacks or blessing bags in your car with things like:
• Socks!!
• Hygiene + feminine hygiene products
• Wet wipes
• Sunscreen / chapstick
• Easy shelf-stable foods
• Pop-top canned foods
• Water
• Seasonal hats/blankets
• Dog food for neighbors with pets
• A kind note ❤️
TIP:
On HOT days: freeze water bottles before heading out, or bring a cooler with water/popsicles.
Please add any other Rancho Cordova resources below!! Especially the little organizations/programs that don't show up easily online..... exactly why compiling our neighborly knowledge is so valuable. ❤️