We are a Homeless Union made up of unhoused people, housing-insecure neighbors, people living in poverty, and community members, all of us working together as one Union, with those most impacted by homelessness leading the way.
Everyone has a story, and every story matters, because this work is built on connection, trust, and shared struggle.
Our Union is led by lived experience. Impacted members set the course, shape the solutions, and guide our strategy, while the broader Union walks beside them, bringing skills, support, and heart. Together, we are stronger and every hand is part of this work.
In Sacramento, our Union has built entire systems of wraparound services for unhoused folks that are entirely community-supported and not funded by government dollars. While the government works toward building adequate housing, we have sustained people through collective care, shared responsibility, and human sustainability, keeping people safe, moving folks into shelter and permanent housing without waiting for permission or funding.
We provide access to mental health support, state benefits, advocacy, and one-on-one navigation, helping people build real pathways out of homelessness.
Our newest Homeless Union chapter is in Amador County, grounded in the same values of lived experience, community, and action.
We believe in human sustainability, steady, dignified support rooted in autonomy and long-term stability. Not charity that keeps people dependent, but systems that allow people to lead their own lives. Like quilt work, rebuilding the fabric of our society takes all hands, and every piece matters.
Here’s where we’re clear:
Doing things for people instead of with them is not the solution. Cutting out impacted voices and calling it help doesn’t create change it creates control.
We are about solidarity, not charity
We are about true systemic change with impacted voices leading
We are not about a handout, we are about a hand up
We wouldn’t walk into your home and tell you how to live your life. Autonomy matters.
We are all human.
Some of us just don’t have roofs
We believe impacted voices must lead.
And we believe homelessness ends with housing now
Crystal Sanchez is with the Sacramento Homeless Union.
