Jul 13

Jul 13 Mayor Darrell Steinberg proposes the City supply tiny homes to 'Safe Ground' communities

Getting people off the street, Supporting Sacramento's health

Sacramento (Monday, July 13) Mayor Darrell Steinberg Monday proposed that the City spend up to $5 million to purchase up to 500 tiny homes for distribution to organizations willing to create small communities for the homeless.

Appearing with attorney Mark Merin in a Zoom press conference, Mayor Steinberg endorsed the Safe Ground concept of self-governing encampments.

“I’m embracing Safe Ground, but I’m embracing it using roofs,” Mayor Steinberg said. “We have placed nearly 1,000 people in hotels and motels through Project Roomkey, but we desperately need more options when it comes to keeping these people off the street and housing those who are still living outdoors. Permanent housing takes years to build and typically costs $400,000 a unit and up. Tiny homes are one strategy we can use to create a supply of basic, dignified housing much more quickly.”

The interior of one of the cabins in the City’s new tiny home project for transition aged youth on Grove Avenue in north Sacramento

Mayor Steinberg said the City would set up an online portal to take applications for tiny homes from Safe Ground and other community groups or organizations and would work affirmatively with the community to find sites on both public and private land. The City would also supply electricity, potable water, restroom facilities and garbage pickup.

The City Manager would be authorized to evaluate the applications and supply the tiny homes to the applicants. The City would not buy 500 tiny homes at once, but would procure them on an as-needed basis as projects arise.

Mayor Steinberg said his office would work with the community on issues involving building codes or liability that might make groups hesitant to participate. The City would also work in partnership with homeless community operators to help provide services to transition residents into permanent housing.

“There are a tremendous number of innovative approaches to make this a win-win for everybody,” Merin said.

The tiny home program would be one piece of a larger housing strategy that the City is pursuing in conjunction with the County, elements of which will be presented at City Council later in July. Mayor Steinberg said he expects to use a portion of the approximately $7 million the City expects to receive from this year’s state budget to pay for the tiny home initiative. Federal CARES Act funding included in the state budget is another potential source.