There is a new plan to turn part of Cal Expo into a homeless campus, which could serve more homeless individuals than traditional shelters and provide residents with on-site services.
Although the project is supported by Governor Gavin Newsom, and the money needed to build such a campus is already included in the city's budget, approval from the Sacramento City Council, County Board of Supervisors and Cal Expo’s board of directors is still needed. The new law authorizes Cal Expo to enter into a five-year agreement with the city and county to use Lot Z — a nearly nine-acre lot located near the southeast corner of Cal Expo — for homeless services instead of overflow parking, McCarty said. It authorizes the city and county to provide mental health, substance abuse and rehousing services, according to The Sacramento Bee.
Homeless individuals camping along the areas of the American River Parkway with a high risk of fire would receive first priority to get into the shelter. “It’s my hope this is going to help us with two critical issues — one, getting people off the streets, and two, bringing back the American River Parkway,” said Assemblyman Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento, who spearheaded the bill. “That’s the jewel of Sacramento.”