Meet Anna: Living Rough on the Sacramento River in Colusa

Along the banks of the Sacramento River, tucked away in a tent amidst a cold and weather-beaten encampment, lives "Anna," a woman in her 30s battling homelessness while striving to maintain her sobriety in Colusa.

"Anna" is a justice-involved recovering addict who is part of the Colusa County Probation Department's relapse prevention program. She's also a testament to the complex challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness, especially when coupled with the need for recovery.

As someone in long-term recovery who overcame homelessness when I was newly sober with the help of a local social worker named Griselda, I know firsthand that stable housing is essential for lasting recovery. For women like "Anna," whose name I changed to protect her privacy, homelessness adds extra layers of vulnerability.

The shame, the trauma, and the constant struggle for basic needs make staying sober much more challenging.

"Anna" is determined to break free from this cycle. She attends a weekly peer support group and participates in one of the probation department's evidence-based programs, eager to build a better life. But the shackles of homelessness and the temptation of drugs within her environment make it a daily uphill battle.

"She doesn't want to go back to jail, or lose her 15-year-old dog, and desperately wants to stay sober and acquire housing," I share from our personal conversations.

Every Tuesday, Anna rides her bike to the Day Reporting Center, where she is welcomed by other justice-involved peers in recovery. There she can warm up, grab a couple of snacks, drink a beverage, and participate in a group-based Relapse Prevention Program facilitated by my former probation officer, who played a significant role in my recovery.

During the week, Anna and I stay connected via texting, and I celebrate her small victories while acknowledging the immense challenges she faces. My hope, and the purpose of sharing her story, is that I can raise awareness and inspire action.

Living in a tent on the river's edge in Colusa is not acceptable. We can do better as a community. We must, for the sake of Anna and others like her who are living on the outskirts of society.

Housing First

Our county has embraced a "housing first" approach, which upholds the belief that stable housing is a foundation for addressing homelessness in our community and state. But housing resources are stretched thin, and Anna was denied emergency winter shelter in the City of Williams', which left her in tears.

When I called to advocate for Anna, I was told by a county worker at HHS that housing was prioritizing families in Williams. Which means until a housing solution becomes available for Anna, she must bear the cold, the rain, and the wind. She must dig deep to find the inner strength to endure hardship, trauma, and stay sober until the cavalry arrives.

Where's The Compassion In That I ask You?

"Anna" is hurting. She deserves a chance to heal, to thrive, and to become a contributing member of our community. I call on the leaders of our county to work together with HHS to ensure that the necessary space is secured to end Anna’s dehumanizing outdoor existence on the banks of an unforgiving muddy river.

While mission statements about ending homelessness, grants, and statistical reports are vitally important, If they don't translate into real-time actionable results, they're just tears in the rain for Anna – fleeting and forgotten.

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Timeline: Anna's harrowing story was originally posted to Facebook on 11/23/2024 and on NEWSBREAK three weeks later due to Anna's continuing homeless crisis.

Impact: Anna's story was viewed over 2,260 times on NewsBreak and generated angry comments and a negative perception of Colusa County's homeless services.

Unsung Hero's: Great news! The calvary arrived in the form of compassionate and dedicated probation officers from Colusa County's Department of Probation. Anna was safely housed before Christmas at a rehab that can provide her with treatment and supportive housing for three months. Huge shout out to probation for using a common sense approach to address Anna's immediate housing and mental health needs.

The Path Program from BHS also played a vital role. Good job, Path!

This is an ongoing one year series

Stay tuned for more about Anna's

housing and recovery journey.