SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A group of Sacramento homeless residents known as the American River Homeless Crew was recently honored by the Sacramento Environmental Commission for their 10 years of volunteer service.
Long-time advocate for the homeless community Dan Aderholt said he accepted the award on behalf of his crew, but he never thought his efforts would be formally recognized by a county commission.
"We've cleaned the American River all the way to Folsom without being paid or anything, and with the help of NextDoor neighbors and the community, we became a nonprofit in May 2022," he told ABC10. "It's all about protecting the environment and preserving the beauty of the American River."
Aderholt experienced homelessness first hand when he said an abusive father and lack of help from foster care facilities led him to turn to the homeless community for support.
After getting a home in Sacramento about 10 years ago, he said he saw the American River destroyed and resembling a garbage dump — infuriating him.
"I went to the homeless folks there and said 'What the hell is going on here?'" said Aderholt. "I got six people together, made sure they had food and water and built a family bond with them."
Building family bonds meant he helped them with food, supplies to survive on the streets and he shared his story of homelessness as they shared theirs. Him and his crew have been cleaning the American River every day for 10 years now.
The clean up crew Aderholt put together received regular praise, recognition and even resources from NextDoor neighbors who also want to see the American River preserved in all its beauty.
His presence at Sacramento County public meetings has also won him praise from officials and public bodies like the Sacramento Environmental Commission.
Contra Costa County officials have also recognized Aderholt after he launched his nonprofit.
"I took a beating for a while online fighting to change the perspective of hating the homeless, but we proved with tools and supplies we can consistently clean up not just the American River but the whole city," he said. "A lot of people looking down on the homeless don't realize they themselves are one paycheck or one disaster away from homelessness."
