Most of the people who lived in Sacramento’s Tent City had lived there for years, but in April, police forced about 150 people to leave the sprawling encampment north of downtown. The community had existed for years, but after it was featured on national television it generated a firestorm of controversy.
“For people who have been living outside for 10, 12, 15 years, coming inside can be a rude adjustment,” said Tim Brown director of the area’s Ending Chronic Homelessness Initiative. “You have drug and alcohol issues, and socialization issues. It’s tough. But it’s also wonderful to see some of them change their lives. Camping outside all year long is no paradise. It’s a pretty difficult life.”
