Land Park Homeless Camp Gets Negative Feedback
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – The homeless camp is just a stone's throw away from the golf course, and those in the homeless community say they belong here too.
"I think it's prejudicism, I think it's wrong," said Sacramento resident Kevin Pickering.
"Not everybody out here is a drunk or a trouble maker," said Lynne Guensler who is homeless.
Guensler and her homeless friends now call this small piece of affluent community of Land Park home.
"I lost my place of eight years, my son and I did. So we've only been out here since May," said Guensler.
Sacramento's Land Park is surrounded by a beautiful golf course, walking paths and lots of things for families to do.
Lynne and her pet cat are hunkered down with their bedding and bags of clothes. She's getting lots of glaring stares from residents.
"I think it's like, not in my backyard! And it's like dirty! It's a stereotype," said Guensler.
"You shouldn't have to stumble over somebody's bed roll and stuff like that. So it's a problem," said Richard Griffin, who visits the park.
City Councilman Steve Hansen represents the Land Park District. He's getting complaints about the homeless. His staff said there are only two park rangers to patrol the entire city and they would like to fund more.
Those who visit the park are concerned these few will turn into an overwhelming many.
"Unfortunately I don't know how they do it, but there's a communication system set up among the homeless and once one batch has come in it's not long before you have a multiplication of it," said Griffin.
Some residents do not see a problem.
"It doesn't bother me a bit," said Land Park resident Bill Parker.
"I would want them to get to know us," said Pickering.
Guensler and Patrick say there's no need to worry, they police their own.
"There are people that are creepy and yucky, cause problems, but the rest of us get them up and out, and say like, 'you got to go!'" said Guensler.
Those in the homeless camp at Land Park say when the sun goes down they move to an undisclosed location.
