According to the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development, there are currently over 130,000 homeless in California. More than half of the entire homeless population in the United States reside in California.
While mental health and substance abuse continue to be main causes, the COVID pandemic has made this situation even worse. Employment opportunities decreased since 2019, yet the cost of living in the state has increased, forcing individuals and families to create new living situations on public streets, along river bike trails and under bridges.
Imagine the anxiety and terror a homeless woman feels when she discovers she is pregnant. The inability to provide a baby with shelter, clothing, diapers, and so much more. The Sacramento Life Center partners with many programs in the Sacramento area to assist women with housing, food, and medical care. The moment an unsheltered woman walks through the doors, the goal is to show her that HOMELESS DOES NOT EQUAL HOPELESS.
Recently, a volunteer brought to the Sacramento Life Center an eight-month pregnant homeless woman, who was living on the river. The staff was able to assess her needs, get her into medical care and connect her with temporary housing. The fact that the staff helped her without judgement or fear left her feeling, not only hopeful, but gave her strength in knowing that she was not alone.
“The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feeling of being unloved.” – Mother Teresa
If you know of someone that is pregnant and struggling, call the Sacramento Life Center and help spread hope and strength for the next generation and generations to come.