Scott Mc Kiernan Presents zReportage.com Story of the Week #799: August 31, 2021: ‘THE ISLAND: American River Homeless’ by ZUMA Press Newspaper Sacramento Bee Pulitzer prize winning photographer Renée C. Byer.
zReportage.com Story of the Week #799: TUESDAY August 31, 2021: ‘THE ISLAND: American River Homeless’ by ZUMA Press Newspaper Sacramento Bee Pulitzer prize winning photographer RenÈe C. Byer, who worked on this special investigation into homelessness in California: As Sacramento’s homeless population increases, more and more people are seeking shelter along the banks of the American River. Hundreds of years ago, it was home to the Maidu Indians, who used its resources for their survival. Today, a new group of roughly 400 people have taken shelter along its banks, some of them by choice, and others who are forced to call it home. ‘The island’ a secluded homeless encampment on the river has been home to some residents for decades. The camp’s inhabitants speak about their close bonds after county rangers gave notice that the camp could be cleared. Many elders say they have no place to go as they rely on social security checks that just aren’t enough with Sacramento’s escalating rent. On any given night in Sacramento, nearly 5,600 people are experiencing homelessness. The majority of them are sleeping outside. The city lacks the number of beds needed to shelter everyone. Welcome to ‘THE ISLAND: American River Homeless’..
Scott Mc Kiernan, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, ZUMA Press
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