SEPTEMBER 2024
SSF NEWSLETTER
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Dear Rolf,
Securing funding for the Sacramento region to effectively prevent and resolve homelessness is a core service of Sacramento Steps Forward (SSF). In addition to leading strategies, planning, and services, SSF manages the application for and monitoring of grants that steward millions of dollars to our community’s Continuum of Care (CoC) homelessness response system.
A key source of our regional funding is from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through their CoC Program Competition. In the last three years alone, our region’s collaborative application has been awarded nearly $94M from this program—funds which have rehoused, permanently housed, and provided essential services to our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
. . . Read More
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Family Homelessness Response System Tools & Resources Training
Join our live, virtual 2-hour training on September 12 at 10:00 a.m. to learn more about the key aspects of the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and Coordinated Access System (CAS). This training will provide practical resources and actionable tools to improve service delivery and family household referrals. Zoom registration is required. Register now at the link below.
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Coordinated Access System Housing Referral Training
Calling all Continuum of Care subrecipients, housing navigators, and direct homeless service providers: Join us for a 90-minute Coordinated Access System (CAS) Housing Referral training live on Tuesday, September 17, at 9:00 a.m. Participants will better understand the housing referral process, learn to use essential tools, and improve their ability to meet the housing needs of vulnerable populations. The training will be held virtually over Zoom. Register now at the link below!
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Upcoming Public Meetings for the Continuum of Care
The Sacramento Continuum of Care (CoC) leads our community's efforts to prevent and end homelessness. Learn more about the CoC and its committees using the button below and by joining one or more of the upcoming public meetings (Zoom information under the "Meeting Details" tab of each committee).
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UPDATES & PROGRESS POINTS | | |
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FY 2024–2025 CoC Program Competition Applicant Workshop
Missed the FY 2024–2025 Continuum of Care Program Competition Mandatory Applicant Workshop? Even if your agency didn’t attend live, reviewing the materials—including the recording—can help ensure your team is fully prepared for future funding opportunities and understands the competitive process. While only agencies that participated live on August 20 are eligible to apply this cycle, others can still access the resources to learn about the process and improve their chances for next year’s competition.
To access the recording and materials, navigate to the "Materials & Resources" tab at the link below.
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Continuum of Care Approves New Tool to Increase Equity and Reduce Barriers
The Continuum of Care Board has approved a new Housing Conversation Tool (HCT), a significant step towards improving how Sacramento's Coordinated Access System assesses and prioritizes housing needs within the community. By replacing the outdated VI-SPDAT (Vulnerability Index – Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool), the HCT will aim to create a more equitable, trauma-informed, and streamlined system that better aligns shelter and housing priorities. This change will reduce barriers to accessing housing and improve outcomes for those experiencing homelessness, ensuring a fairer and more effective approach for the entire community.
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Coordinated Access System Semi-Annual Report
The latest report from Sacramento's Coordinated Access System has revealed that the system is on track to double the number of caller connections from last year. Learn more about the system and the people it has helped this year by reading the report linked below.
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Sacramento County Rezoning Efforts Aim to Boost Affordable Housing
The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors has voted to adopt a series of resolutions and ordinances to rezone sites throughout the County, a move aimed at addressing a shortfall of units for lower-income households.
“By prioritizing the development of lower-income housing units, we are not only meeting our immediate obligations but also laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, equitable, and green future,” Sacramento County Planning Director Todd Smith. “These rezones will create opportunities for families and individuals who need it most, ensuring that our communities remain vibrant and diverse."
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RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES | | |
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Listen + Learn | "Unraveling the Misinformation about Homelessness in California"
In a podcast hosted by KPFA 94.1, Margot Kushel—Director of the Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI)—shares an overview of the causes and consequences of homelessness in California by diving into the data from the California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness (CASPEH).
Conducted by UCSF Benioff BHHI, CASPEH is the largest representative study of homelessness in the U.S. since the mid-1990s. It provides a comprehensive look at the causes and consequences of homelessness in California and recommends policy changes to shape programs in response.
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College Initiative: Family Services for Youth
The College Initiative program provides individualized family services to support transition-aged youth (TAY) between 18 and 24 years old who are experiencing homelessness. This program specifically assists TAY who are enrolled in college and have children ages 0–5 or are pregnant.
Learn more and connect with the program here, or access the flyer at the link below.
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Funding Opportunities: Housing and Community Development Grants Calendar
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has released its FY 2024–2025 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) calendar, revealing over $4.8 billion in funding scheduled for release over the coming year. The calendar includes key release dates, deadlines, and award information for a variety of programs, including Proposition 1 and Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond funds. Providers are encouraged to review the calendar as a resource to stay informed on upcoming opportunities. View the calendar for more details and program specifics.
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Current Job Openings at SSF
Sacramento Steps Forward currently has openings for the following positions:
If you or someone you know may be interested, please use the link below to learn more, share information, and/or apply.
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