Sacramento's housing crisis: A family's struggle

Sacramento's Housing Crisis: A Family's Struggle

Low-income families in Sacramento continue to face steep challenges securing affordable housing amid a growing city and rising prices. The story of Aubree and Oscar Petersen highlights the strain many residents experience while seeking stability.

A Risky Move and Uncertain Start

Two years ago, the Petersens left Los Angeles behind, hoping for a safer and more affordable life in Sacramento for themselves and their 5-year-old daughter. Their optimism quickly met reality. Just a week before their planned move, the apartment complex that had approved their application doubled the initial deposit, raising the total cost to about $4,000.

Unable to pay the higher amount, they moved into a modest hotel while Oscar began his job as a supermarket meat cutter. Their savings disappeared faster than expected.

“We were about a week away from living in our car,” said Aubree Petersen.

Progress and Persistent Inequality

The Sacramento region saw an exceptionally active year for housing construction in 2024, completing more than 12,500 units—the highest number in nearly two decades. These statistics were presented in a progress report by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG), a coalition of 28 local governments tackling region-wide issues.

“The Sacramento region has been making great strides in producing more housing, and more types of housing to meet the needs of the growing population, but there is more work that needs to be done,” said James Corless, SACOG executive director.

Despite growth and investment, the region's most vulnerable residents continue to struggle, underscoring the gap between policy progress and lived reality.

Author’s Summary

Sacramento’s housing boom contrasts sharply with the deep insecurity faced by families like the Petersens, revealing both progress and persistent inequality in the region’s housing landscape.

The Sacramento Observer — 2025-11-07