Communities Team Sanctuary Covenant Church Update12/5/2011

The Communities Team Jennifer Herring –North Natomas Jonica Eberbach –South Natomas Vicky Blocker –Tahoe Park Josh Krage –Midtown

Goal of the project Demographic Profile A Description of what the community is known for The Needs of the Community The Other Main Churches within the Community (Who they are and how they are connecting with the community)

North Natomas

Demographics-North Natomas

North Natomas Lifestyle Expenditures vs. Nat’l Average

North Natomas Crime vs. Nat’l Average

Major Community Needs North Natomas Lack of family support for children. Many considered "homeless", as they don't live with either of their parents. Many students of all ages have no place to go after school. Need an after- school program. Many students of all ages have no place to go after school. Need an after- school program. Unemployment rate rising Economy suffering as there are limits on building due to levee. Retailers moving out of the area. Many families losing homes due to foreclosure. Many families losing homes due to foreclosure. Poverty rate rising, clinics for basic needs needed. (Some already in place: Gateway Church has a food bank, and Natomas Crossroads Church has a medical clinic that offer free services once a month. Crossroads has mentioned a significant need for a similar dental clinic.)

South Natomas

Demographics-South Natomas

South Natomas Lifestyle Expenditures vs. National Average

South Natomas Crime vs. National Average

What Natomas is Known For: The Power Balance Pavilion is the major feature of the Natomas area of Sacramento. Power Balance PavilionPower Balance Pavilion The Sacramento International Airport is within the bounds of Natomas as defined by Sacramento County, but it is several miles away from the largely populated area of Natomas. Natomas is the closest portion of the city to the airport. Thus, there are many hotels located throughout the Natomas area. The Sacramento International Airport is within the bounds of Natomas as defined by Sacramento County, but it is several miles away from the largely populated area of Natomas. Natomas is the closest portion of the city to the airport. Thus, there are many hotels located throughout the Natomas area.Sacramento International AirportSacramento International Airport Another feature of this area is the ease of access to Interstate 5, Interstate 80, and the northern portion of Highway 99's route through Sacramento, making it a desirable living area for workers who commute. Interstate 5Interstate 80 Highway 99 Interstate 5Interstate 80 Highway 99

Tahoe Park

Communities surrounding or served by Tahoe Park River Park Sac State UCD Medical Center East Sacramento Oak Park Curtis Park La Riviera

Demographics-Tahoe Park

Lifestyle Expenditures Tahoe Park vs. National Average

Crime Tahoe Park vs. National Average

Midtown

Demographics-Midtown

Demographics-Midtown

Midtown Lifestyle Expenditures vs. National Average

Midtown Crime vs. National Average

Community Needs/General Info.- Midtown --Redevelopment has been promising in some of the more run-down neighborhoods (particularly Alkali Flat, where the homeless population is more prevalent), but recent economic troubles have slowed some of this redevelopment Many neighborhoods change block by block, with the overall property values and neighborhood "rating" decreasing towards the northwest sections of the grid. Drugs and prostitution have been problems in poorer areas but have been successfully combatted by vigilant police presence; however, with city budget and police force cutbacks drugs are slowly making their way back into the NW areas (Alkali Flats, Mansion Flats) At large the population is mostly young adults, with and without children, unmarried and/or co-habitating, mostly well-connected over diverse social circles both in and out of the Capitol sphere. Somewhat bohemian lifestyle in many areas. Big art culture, very open to alternative lifestyles and expression Recently (last 5-6 years) through city funds and community development a few urban farm stands have sprouted up during the spring and summer months, cultivated partly from local gardens set up in city parks. These stands have had limited success, mostly due to residents' lack of awareness of their existence, but are run at- or near-cost and for service to the community, not for-profit The majority of the churches in the downtown/midtown area are traditional, well- established churches whose membership has stagnated or dropped in recent years LOTS of parks and community-friendly areas

Common Issues for Community Outreach/Partnership Opportunities in Areas PovertyHomeless Youth outreach HealthcareCrimeRedevelopment Affordable housing Affordable housing Sustaining new businesses Drugs Aid to families in need

Community Outreach CASH Sacramento (Community Against Sexual Harm) does some great work in Oak Park. Former prostitutes started a non-profit and they work with girls in that community, trying to get them out of "the life." They can always use help. They run a drop in center several nights a week. As You Are is another outreach (non-profit run by a member of First Covenant, named Jennie). Her focus is outreach to the strip clubs. They go out to several of the clubs on a routine basis and take gifts for the girls (homemade scarves, etc) and let the girls know they are valued and not judged by the church. They're always in need of help and supplies. Courage to be You has a transitional home in the area for girls trying to get out of "the life" and does great work. They always need volunteers for fundraisers, etc. they're still working on getting their home fully staffed and running.

Community Outreach Loaves and Fishes in midtown serves out of compassion for the poor and disadvantaged to all who come for assistance. They are always looking for volunteers to help serve food, but they also are in need of supplies and shelter for the homeless. Woman’s Empowerment program provides training and assistance in getting women ready to re-enter the work force.

Community Outreach The Sacramento Dream Center ( - located at 15th & C Streets downtown, involved in a wide variety of outreaches as well as base for many other ministries The Salvation Army ( is active at 3 different locations in the downtown/midtown area with its Donation Centers, Thrift Store and Adult Rehabilitation Center The Church Volunteer Network ( city- wide and greater) organizes a weekly sandwich-making activity to feed some of downtown/midtown's homeless population, and is also active in many other ways around the Sacramento area The Urban Hive ( is a community resource at 20th & H Streets which seeks to provide accessible workspace, meeting area, and general usefulness in a non-traditional way to the downtown/midtown area. Midtown Friends Church ( is a non-traditional church serving the midtown/downtown communities. They meet for Sunday morning service at the Urban Hive Alchemist CDC ( is an organization springing from the Alkali Flat neighborhood and servicing the Sacramento community (particularly the downtown grid) in a number of ways, from community service rallies and events to creating opportunities at group and individual levels to affect change in neighborhoods, through legislation, education, and through direct action