Transitional Housing Project Opens In Elk Grove
ELK GROVE (CBS13) - The city of Elk Grove is taking the first steps in a project to help the homeless in their community.
It's Elk Grove's first transitional housing project, and the city says residents may not have known something like this was needed.
"The homeless in Elk Grove might not sleep outside, but they sleep in their cars or on couches between family and friends," said Elk Grove housing manager Sarah Bontrager.
The homeless living in Elk Grove say they want to stay here because this is where they feel safe.
"Many of them look like you or me but they don't have anywhere to go at night," said Bontrager.
Many find themselves forced to relocate to downtown Sacramento because a majority of the services are found there -- until now.
"Today we're doing a lot of the landscaping at the house and we're also moving in furniture," said Bontrager.
In just a few weeks five homeless residents will have a place to call their temporary home.
"The goal is to find people who need a little assistance to get their lives back on track," she said.
Residents are allowed to stay for three to six months while the city tries to assist them get training and education then move into an apartment.
The city isn't sure if they're going to have more transitional housing projects yet, but say they're going to do whatever it takes to help the homeless here.
More than 70 volunteers helped get the home ready for residents. Most items, including the furniture and appliances were donated.
