This permanent supportive housing project will create 88 housing units for older adults who are at risk of homelessness. Photo courtesy of Sacramento County

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Sacramento County took additional steps to address homelessness on Jan. 28. The Board of Supervisors approved allocating $2.5 million in Mental Health Services Act funds through its partnership with Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency and project sponsor Hope Cooperative for a permanent supportive housing project at Auburn Oaks.

This project will create 88 housing units for older adults who are at risk of homelessness. By early spring, 50 older adults are expected to live at Auburn Oaks. 

Auburn Oaks is located on Sunrise Boulevard in Citrus Heights. Once an 81-room assisted living facility and a 48-unit apartment complex, the site has fallen into disrepair. Most recently, it was used by Sacramento County’s Roomkey program to provide temporary housing for individuals at high risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19. Approximately 20 Roomkey residents remain and will continue receiving shelter and support during rehabilitation. 

With funding secured, including a $24.8 million grant from the California Department of Social Services, the Auburn Oaks site will be transformed into 88 permanent supportive housing units. These units will include 40 studios converted from shared assisted living rooms, 44 additional studios and four one-bedroom apartments. Rehabilitation will also enhance the lobby, kitchen and shared spaces while integrating energy-efficient designs. 

HOPE Cooperative, a nonprofit organization with more than four decades of experience providing services for unhoused and at-risk individuals, owns and operates the Auburn Oaks project. The nonprofit organization will work closely with Sacramento County Department of Child, Family and Adult Services and Behavioral Health Services to ensure that residents receive support.

Key services will include:

Intensive case management for 30 residents at risk of homelessness, funded by Sacramento County Department of Child, Family and Adult Services

Mental health-focused support

Residents will benefit from 24-hour support and a robust security system to ensure a safe and stable environment.

Other funding for Auburn Oaks comes from grants from the California Department of Social Services, Sacramento County Behavioral Health Bridge Housing and the City of Citrus Heights. Additional funding for rental subsidies will be pursued as the project progresses.

The collaboration between Sacramento County, SHRA and Hope Cooperative makes it possible to serve residents at Auburn Oaks with dignity, respect and compassion. 

Other Homeless Services and Housing initiatives can be found online at the schs.saccounty.gov/Pages/default.aspx.

For information on how Behavioral Health Services is serving clients, visit dhs.saccounty.gov/BHS/Pages/BHS-Home.aspx.

For information on how Sacramento County’s Department of Child, Family and Adult Services supports housing initiatives, visit dcfas.saccounty.net/Pages/Home.aspx.​