Ron, the owner of A-1 Auto Repair in Sacramento, is frustrated with the city’s handling of a homeless encampment near his shop in midtown. He opened the shop in 2011 near Yale Street, but two weeks ago, the situation changed as a homeless encampment on the sidewalk outside the shop began to worsen.
The sidewalk is now lined with tents, tarps, chairs, and belongings, with trash and other items sometimes spreading onto the shop’s property. Ron’s main concern is safety, as fires have been lit within the encampment, and he has witnessed open-air drug use in broad daylight. He worried that this could harm his business.
Across the street from A-1 Auto Repair lies LAB 7 Coworking, which also has a view of the encampment. The manager there expressed concerns for everyone’s safety, including the unhoused individuals on Yale Street. Drug use signs like used needles in the alleyway are visible in the area. Many attribute these issues to failed city policies or a lack of action.
Recent data from Sacramento City showed that there were 711 calls related to homeless issues between May 6th and 12th. While 682 calls were closed indicating that the problem was either solved or no longer an issue upon inspection many residents feel that the city’s response is inadequate. Stephanie Duncan who advocates for Land Park residents believes that City officials need to do more to address encampment concerns reported by residents through their 311 hotline.
Among suggested solutions is creating more housing options but Ron wants acknowledgement from City officials that his concerns have been heard and action is being taken along with other frustrated residents who are fed up with perceived lack of action from City officials regarding this issue.
