On January 26th, Sacramento County celebrated the groundbreaking of the Watt Avenue Safe Stay Community Campus, an innovative project designed to address homelessness by tackling its root causes—not just the symptoms. This comprehensive approach represents a meaningful step toward long-term solutions for our community.
For too long, efforts to combat homelessness have focused almost exclusively on providing housing, often without addressing the underlying issues that lead people to become homeless in the first place. Simply spending taxpayer dollars on housing alone won’t solve homelessness—it will only result in wasted resources. Without access to mental health care, addiction treatment, job training, and life skills support, many individuals remain trapped in cycles of homelessness, unable to achieve long-term stability.
That’s why the Watt Avenue Safe Stay Community is so promising. This campus doesn’t just provide shelter—it offers a pathway to stability. Residents will have access to on-site case management, mental health services, substance use treatment, job readiness programs, and even pet services for those with animal companions. These wraparound services are the cornerstone of success for communities across the nation that have made real progress in reducing homelessness.
I also appreciate that this campus has been carefully planned to respect the surrounding community. It will include robust security measures, clear rules for residents to ensure a safe and orderly environment, and regular engagement with neighbors to address concerns. This thoughtful approach balances compassion for the unhoused with accountability to the community.
As someone who was initially uncertain about this project, I now see it as a model for how we should approach homelessness countywide. The Watt Avenue campus is a tangible example of what we can achieve when we prioritize solutions that address the full spectrum of needs for individuals and families.
Homelessness is a complex issue, and there are no quick fixes. But if we continue to invest in comprehensive programs like this one—rooted in accountability, opportunity, and care—I believe we can make meaningful progress.
I want to thank the many individuals and organizations who made this project possible. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we work together to solve our most pressing challenges.
If you’d like to share your thoughts or learn more about this project, I encourage you to reach out to my office at 916-874-5491 or email me at supervisorrodriguez@saccounty.gov.
Rosario Rodriguez authored this community commentary. Rodriguez is the Sacramento County District 4 Supervisor, which includes the communities of Folsom, Citrus Heights Orangevale, Antelope, Rio Linda, Elverta, Gold River, Rancho Murieta, North Highlands, Carmichael, Foothill Farms, and Fair Oaks.
