Sacramento has opened a new government-run tent camp for its homeless population, a project that has drawn criticism for its estimated cost of $20,000 per bed.
The Safe Camping site, located in the city's River District, can accommodate up to 125 individuals and cost $2.5 million to establish. The site officially opened this week.
Annual operating costs are projected to be an additional $1.2 million, which breaks down to approximately $9,600 per bed per year. Each resident is provided with a tent on a raised platform, a cot, two storage bins, and a lawn chair. The site also features shared restrooms, showers, 24-hour security, and behavioral health services. Officials stated that swamp coolers and fans will be provided during warmer months, but the site does not include air conditioning or a kitchen.
Audit Questions City's Homelessness Spending
The launch of the new camp comes shortly after an independent city audit raised concerns about the effectiveness of Sacramento's homelessness response and the return on investment for taxpayers. The audit found that the city spent $63.2 million on 14 homeless shelter programs during fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
Auditors noted that Sacramento lacks clear standards for determining the value of its more expensive shelter models and a consistent method for evaluating which programs yield the best results. The report recommended the city develop a system to assess shelter costs, outcomes, and efficiencies to improve the allocation of homelessness funds.
The audit also suggested that the city could potentially shelter more people at a minimal additional cost by increasing occupancy at existing congregate shelters, rather than investing in new projects. Furthermore, the report found no strong link between services provided and positive outcomes for individuals leaving shelters, with over half of residents returning to homelessness or having an unknown outcome after exiting programs. A similar outcome was reported at the city's largest tiny-home village, where 65% of residents faced similar results.
Officials Defend New Camp
Despite the audit's findings, city officials maintain that additional shelter is urgently needed. Sacramento County's latest count identified over 7,400 individuals experiencing homelessness, with nearly 4,000 living unsheltered.
Mayor Kevin McCarty acknowledged the basic accommodations at the new camp but argued that it is a necessary improvement over street living. "There are too many people who are still languishing on our streets, and sometimes, unfortunately, dying on our streets," McCarty stated. He emphasized that while the camp is not perfect, it offers a better alternative than current street conditions.
City Manager Maraskeshia Smith described the campground as a temporary measure en route to permanent housing solutions. She noted that securing permanent housing often requires individuals to first obtain identification, employment, and supportive services, a process that takes time.
The River District site replaces Sacramento's previous sanctioned camping location, Camp Resolution, which city officials shut down in 2024, deeming it a "failed experiment."