Homeless Leave Controversial Sacramento Camp

[The Straight Story]

Homeless Leave Controversial Sacramento Camp


SACRAMENTO, CA - A group of homeless people living in a controversial camp on a vacant downtown Sacramento lot left the area Sunday evening after a meeting with mayor Kevin Johnson.

On Johnson's blog Sunday, the mayor wrote: "Huge, positive steps were taken...After discussions and dinner, they told me they are ready move on and leave the camp."

Johnson met with about 15 homeless campers at 13 and C streets Saturday night and listened as they told the mayor of their "strong desire" to have a legal place to camp in Sacramento.

"They listened as I pledged to work on solutions to homelessness," Johnson wrote. "As we shared a meal, I was impressed by the strong sense of community and mutual support among the campers."

The campers decided to leave because they were worn down by constant threats and arrests as well as having their belongings confiscated, according to director of advocacy for Sacramento Loaves and Fishes Joan Burke.

Burke said the discussions between the campers and the mayor gave the homeless hope after Johnson promising that he would find them a legal campsite at various Sacramento locations.

http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=67281&catid=2