Exist

The

to

Right

Inside Camp Resolution
and the Housing Crisis

"There is no medicine as powerful as housing."

- Dr. Margot Kushel, MD

“The Right to Exist” explores the homelessness crisis in Sacramento, California, through a combination of personal stories and in-depth analysis. The film follows the city-authorized Camp Resolution, a self-governed, woman-run homeless encampment whose struggle for continued existence garnered national attention.

VOICES FOR OUR UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS

Sharon Jones

"Just because it’s a protest camp doesn’t mean that it’s a bad thing… it just means that you’re standing up for what you believe is right."

Alongside her wife, Joyce, and other founding members, Sharon Jones has led the camp since its inception in 2022. When the city threatened to shut down the encampment, Sharon stepped up, leading the fight for the rights of her community.

Saprincesa Jennings

"Treat them like people. That’s who we are, I say we still because I was out there nine years. We’re sick, we’re depressed, and we need help. We need somebody to care."

Saprincesa Jennings was formerly unhoused for 9 years and after giving birth to two kids while living on the river, she is now housed, employed, and getting her counselor’s license. Her focus is on using her lived experience to lift up others in similar situations.

Satearah Murphy

"It's continuing to get worse. People are missing. Women is coming up dead and nobody's talking about it."

As someone who has experienced generational homelessness, Satearah’s story echoes those of many on the street. After helping to found Camp Resolution, Satearah became one of its strongest advocates, speaking out at rallies, leading camp discussions, and becoming a regular presence at Sacramento City Council meetings.

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UNSEEN, UNHEARD, UNHOUSED

The documentary’s initial plan was to follow a number of individuals experiencing homelessness, explore different models of shelter for the unhoused, and, through the expert analysis of researchers and educators, debunk common myths about the homeless.

During production, however, a more urgent issue emerged when the homeless encampment known as "Camp Resolution" found itself in a life-or-death struggle with the city of Sacramento. With the camp facing threats to its continued existence, the filmmaking team shifted focus to cover the residents’ fight to protect their home. The film invites viewers inside Camp Res, to meet the people who live there, and to witness the fear and hope with which they face the potential loss of their homes, property, and community.

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS

ARTURO BAIOCCHI

Associate Professor CSUS,
School of Social Work

An Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at California State University, Sacramento, Arturo Baiocchi is a long-time advocate for unhoused people, particularly in the Sacramento area. Arturo was intrigued when he first learned of Camp Resolution, a self-governing camp of homeless individuals, established on a site originally designated for a new shelter. When the shelter never materialized, the residents of Camp Res moved onto the site and negotiated with the city for trailers and utilities. After meeting Sharon Jones and other residents, and learning more about their story, Arturo became a supporter and advocate for Camp Res.

ANDREW HENING

Consultant/Author
“So You Want to Solve Homelessness? Start Here”

Andrew has been working on the frontlines of homelessness in California for nearly 15 years. During that time he has provided street outreach in some of the state’s largest encampments, managed a growing nonprofit, held an executive-level leadership role in city government, served as the Chief Strategy Officer for the fourth largest Continuum of Care in the country, and launched a consulting firm helping government agencies with strategic planning, financial modeling, and housing development. Andrew is passionate about sharing systemic solutions to “The Modern Homelessness Crisis,” which has included publishing a book, So You Want to Solve Homelessness? Start Here, and teaching systems thinking at UC Berkeley.

DR. MARGOT KUSHEL, MD

Associate Director UCSF
Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative

Margot Kushel, MD, is a Professor of Medicine at UCSF, Director of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, and Division Chief and Director of the UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations. Margot’s research focuses on the causes and consequences of homelessness and housing instability, with the goal of preventing and ending homelessness and ameliorating the effects of homelessness on health. She works closely with government bodies, non-profits, and communities impacted by homelessness to bring forward solutions that center on racial and housing justice. She serves as a Board member of Housing California. She speaks at a local, state, and national level about issues of homelessness.