SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Trammel Johnson does not have permanent housing. As he made his tea in the common space of an emergency shelter facility, Johnson said it is a blessing to stay in the temporary housing in the East Beamer community in Yolo County.
“This is like a safe spot,” Johnson said. “Because I got control here. Where somewhere else, I’m at other people’s discretion. I know this program.”
Fourth and Hope runs the temporary and permanent housing facility at East Beamer, and has helped the father of four a few times over the years.
Johnson said his current stay at the community is enabling him to educate himself for a better future. It is something that may not have happened without the community.
“My financial situation is up in the air a little bit right now,” Johnson said. “I’m in school, so, for doing school, it’s perfect to advance my life.”
According to UC Davis research, Yolo County has the third highest poverty rate of all counties in the state.
Charlotte Baur, the community operations manager, stated that the East Beamer community is crucial as they offer 100 emergency shelter beds for those in need. They also offer 60 permanent affordable housing units for qualified people.
Baur added inflation has only exacerbated the situation in the county.
“We are feeding more right now,” Baur said. “We are turning away three to four people right now at this time because of what’s going on with the heat [temperature], the inflation.”
Construction started on Walter's House, a facility for substance assistance and mental health at the East Beamer location, which will have an important role for the county.
“There’s three parts of helping someone,” Baur said. “And that’s you know the addiction, plays a part in it, and then the mental health plays a part in it, and then we have them being unhoused.”
For Johnson, he said he’s stopped drinking and feels like he’s met a new person within himself. He looks forward to continuing his studies in psychology at the local community college.
“I’m pushing to get my M.D.,” Johnson said. “I’m going to continue to go to school. I’m probably going to die in school.”
He said he knows by continuing his education, he’ll continually help himself, his housing situation, and his family.