SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. — For those experiencing homelessness, Summer months can be a time of struggle and even danger as they face dehydration, heat exhaustion and exposure without adequate protection from the sun.
Donations are desperately needed, Francis House Center officials said, especially after new numbers showed homelessness in Sacramento County increased 19% over two years.
Sacramento Steps Forward, the county’s homeless services agency, said the January count found 5,570 people living in shelters and on the street. That number was up 52% from the previous count, conducted in 2017.
So, how can you help?
Sacramento’s Francis House Center is asking for your support in providing life-saving summer hygiene kits to some of Sacramento's most vulnerable residents. Hygiene kits can include supplies like bottled water, skin care products, deodorant and first aid supplies.
Donations will be accepted at Francis House Center on two special drop-off days, in addition to the center’s donation center hours.
Days: July 10 and July 24 / 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: 1422 C Street, Sacramento
Officials explained they adjusted the earlier number to account for improvements in the survey methodology this year. The agency said it tripled the number of volunteers, which allowed more locations to be surveyed, making the count more accurate.
The report also found 70% of the county’s homeless were sleeping “outdoors or in vehicles, abandoned buildings or location that were not suitable for human habitation.”
So, if you’re willing to help, you’re encouraged to act now and assemble hygiene kits to help those in need beat the heat!
Supplies you can donate:
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush holder
- Razor
- Shaving cream
- Feminine napkins
- Tampons
- Small mirror
- Dental floss
- Skin lotion
- Hair conditioner
- Mouth wash
- Children’s toothbrush
- Children’s toothpaste
- Baby powder
- Zinc oxide cream
- hand scrub brush
- Nail clipper
- Wet wipes
- Toothpaste
- Disposable washcloth
WATCH MORE: Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg comments on Sacramento County's 19 percent rise in homelessness
New government data show the number of people experiencing homelessness in Sacramento County has increased 19 percent over the last two years, according to 2019 Sacramento Homeless Point in Time (PIT) Count.
