APRIL 2024
SSF NEWSLETTER
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In This Newsletter:
Learn about volunteerism in homelessness response, review the Sacramento Homeless Policy Council Meeting Q1 progress report and register for the upcoming meetings, register for HUD's Fair Housing Month Opening Ceremony, be part of Sacramento's Big Day of Giving, participate in public Continuum of Care meetings, delve into the framework behind Sacramento's latest funding application to HUD, access the 2-1-1 flyer that is now available in 7 different languages, review the recent progress and commitments made in veteran's housing, read a bite-sized explanation of the Homeless Management Information System, utilize Fair Housing Month resources from HUD, take a look at Sacramento County's Homeless Outreach and Florin Safe Stay reports, join new upcoming trainings from around our community, sign up for weather and emergency alerts ahead of wind storms, find local COVID-19 resources, and discover career opportunities at SSF.
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April marks a nationwide celebration for volunteerism—a pivotal force in achieving our goal of preventing and ending homelessness.
In the last decade, Sacramento Steps Forward (SSF) and the Sacramento Continuum of Care (CoC) have partnered with between 500 and 1,000 local volunteers biannually to map and capture a census count of people living in places not meant for human habitation. In January 2024, we completed another Point-In-Time Count with the aid of hundreds of local volunteers, professionals from partner organizations, and staff.
We also witnessed the tremendous power of volunteers during one of the most challenging periods of our time: the COVID-19 pandemic. SSF mobilized an effective network of homeless outreach professionals, advocates, and persons with lived experience of homelessness to educate around the life-saving potential of vaccinations and disaster preparedness. With volunteer aid, we ensured the provision of 4,000 doses COVID-19 vaccinations among unsheltered individuals and distributed over 200 disaster preparedness kits.
Volunteers continue to contribute their time and expertise, providing input for equitable and affordable housing through community leadership roles. The CoC Board is comprised of over 30 members, CoC committees bring together over 100 members, and SSF is grounded by the service of our volunteer Board of Directors.
Volunteer presence and contributions bring increased visibility to the chronic health and behavioral issues, trauma, abuse, violence, shame, stigma, and discrimination that people experiencing homelessness endure—making them even more vulnerable. Volunteers amplify awareness about the complexities of homelessness that align with our data-driven best practices to further sustainable solutions.
Moreover, volunteers bring diverse perspectives and innovative ideas, enriching our approach to addressing homelessness and enhancing system performance. Through their efforts, volunteers create a robust network of support that extends beyond SSF and the CoC, strengthening community connection and empowering a collective effort to end homelessness.
I have witnessed volunteers acting as lifelines to those with unmet social and health needs by preparing meals for sheltering families, guiding people seeking safe havens from domestic violence, and donating essentials at homeless encampments. Paving pathways to foster empathy and creating more supportive environments for our vulnerable neighbors are invaluable volunteer contributions that nurture our community.
Over the coming month, we look forward to sharing stories from volunteers who support our work to resolve homelessness in Sacramento. Our network has now grown to nearly 2,000 and is expanding. It goes without saying that we could not do this work without the many ways in which volunteers “step in.” We are grateful for the passion, compassion, and commitment of our community volunteers.
With deep appreciation,
Kathreen Daria
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Sacramento Homeless Policy Council: Q1 Progress Report and Upcoming Meetings
Once every quarter, the Sacramento Homeless Policy Council (SHPC) convenes to share and collaborate on homelessness strategies and actions. During these meetings, key leaders from across the county discuss plans and progress while the public is able to listen and learn about the homelessness response system. The Q1 meeting on March 8 included discussions on the All In Sacramento Action Plan, the Coordinated Access System Annual Report, and more. If you were unable to attend, you can find a progress summary and recording at the link below. You can also register for our upcoming meetings to be held on June 21, September 13, and December 6.
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HUD's Fair Housing Month Opening Ceremony
This April, HUD is commemorating the 56th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, the landmark civil rights law signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11, 1968, that made discrimination in housing transactions unlawful. Throughout Fair Housing Month, HUD and its partners will host activities that enhance public awareness of fair housing rights, highlight fair housing enforcement efforts, and emphasize the importance of addressing housing discrimination in all its forms.
Join on Thursday, April 11 at 2:00 p.m. (EDT) for this year’s virtual Fair Housing Month Opening Ceremony, hosted by the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
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Support SSF for Sacramento's Big Day of Giving
Our region's annual "Big Day of Giving" is an invitation to learn more and contribute to the many nonprofits in our community that are crucial to shaping a vibrant and healthy Sacramento. At Sacramento Steps Forward, our mission is to help build an inclusive community where everyone has access to a safe and stable home. Your generous donations—whether on the Big Day of Giving or any other day—are vital. They offer us the flexible funding needed to meet our community's evolving needs effectively.
A contribution of any amount empowers us to provide immediate and impactful support to those in need. We are grateful for your ongoing support!
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Upcoming Public Meetings for the Continuum of Care (CoC)
The Sacramento Continuum of Care (CoC) leads our community effort 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 details under "Meeting Details" tab of each committee).
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All In Sacramento: State Funding Application Submitted
A regional application for nearly $53.2M in new and continued state funding was recently submitted, following an intensive five months of public conversation and partner collaboration. The request for support to the California State Homeless, Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) Grant Program is for a 5th round of funding to continue operating a number of existing programs and to build and implement new efforts. The application is anchored by the All In Sacramento Regionally Coordinated Framework & Action Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. The Plan's eight solutions are a next phase of focused efforts to bring us closer to our shared vision of making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.
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Advancing Veteran Housing: Achievements and Commitments from the VASH Process Mapping Workshop
On February 15, 2024, SSF and Community Solutions hosted a workshop to streamline the process of obtaining Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers. Attendees represented various agencies, including the Veterans Administration, SHRA, Insight Housing, Volunteers of America, and Nation’s Finest. The outcome was a comprehensive process map and 12 process enhancements. A collective commitment emerged to house veterans with VASH vouchers within 180 days by October 2024, marked by specific goals like clearing backlogged applications and reducing processing time. This initiative represents a proactive effort to improve efficiency and effectiveness in supporting veterans' housing needs.
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Data Explained: The Homeless Management Information System
A Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) serves as a centralized database to collect data on services provided to the those experiencing homelessness. Through this shared database, providers are able to see the larger picture of their clients' homelessness experience and collaborate with other programs to provide more effective and efficient services. It also serves as the basis for important reports which influence decision-making and resource-allocation at nearly every level of the homelessness response system, from local governments to the United States Congress.
Sacramento Steps Forward administrates the HMIS for both the Sacramento and Yolo Continuums of Care, integrating data from a broad array of community partners, including mental health, emergency shelter, substance abuse, housing, and other specialized services. This broad partnership is key to helping individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness and driving a more equitable, safe place for all to call home.
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Fair Housing Month Resources
In honor of Fair Housing month, the Department of Housing and Urban Development is sharing a variety of fair housing resources and opportunities for providers and the public. These include outreach tools, a Table Talk series, technical assistance guides, information on how to report housing discrimination, and more.
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Report Spotlight: Sacramento County Homeless Outreach and Florin Safe Stay
Recent reports from Sacramento County dive into the County's 2023 efforts to tackle homelessness, highlighting a partnership with the City of Sacramento and detailing outreach strategies in unincorporated areas. The reports cover their approach to engagement, the impact of the Homeless Services Partnership Agreement, and review specific initiatives like the Florin Road Safe Stay Community, and many efforts and achievements to create a better future for the Sacramento region.
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New Training Opportunities Available!
Sacramento Steps Forward aims to support the continued training and development of our community’s homelessness-focused providers and professionals. Visit our Training Opportunities page for more details on upcoming community discussions, learning opportunities, conferences, and other training resources.
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Sign Up for Weather Alerts
Wet weather is passing, and high winds are blowing through. To ensure safety for all, be sure to sign up for updates on weather reports and local emergency alerts linked below. For more information and resources, check out the CalOES Listos website. Let's work together to stay safe during high winds and protect our communities!
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COVID-19: Local Resources
As of March 15, 2024, California has seen a 3.2% positivity rate for COVID-19 tests, with 1,220 people hospitalized due to the virus in the previous week alone.
Sacramento County Public Health is continuing COVID-19 pop-up clinics to provide essential resources including testing, vaccinations, and medical care to ensure equitable access for all. You can find the latest information at the link below.
Wraparound services are crucial to support our most vulnerable populations, particularly Persons Experiencing Homelessness. Despite progress in managing COVID-19, challenges persist in Sacramento County. We encourage community partnerships to strengthen to enhance outreach efforts, working collaboratively to safeguard the health and well-being of every individual in our community. If you're interested in co-hosting an event in your area, please contact Giselle Salamanca at SalamancaG@saccounty.gov.
Together, let's prioritize comprehensive care and solidarity to overcome persisting community health challenges.
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Current Job Openings
Sacramento Steps Forward is currently looking for qualified candidates to fill a number of roles. 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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