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Housing Families First Collaborative

Mobilizing Sacramento to solve family homelessness.

  • Reducing the number of families experiencing homelessness
  • Increasing family access to permanent housing
  • Shortening the length of time families spend in homelessness
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Every family deserves a chance to thrive.

Unfortunately, too many families in Sacramento struggle to find a safe and stable place to call home. The weight of financial strain and systemic barriers can be overwhelming.

The Housing Families First Collaborative is at the forefront of efforts to address and solve the crisis of family homelessness.

Managed by Sacramento Steps Forward, the Collaborative harnesses the strengths of various stakeholders to unify resources and catalyze systemic changes.

Join us in building a community where every family has the opportunity to thrive.

About

Resources

Approximately 350 families experience homelessness in Sacramento County each night.

Source: 2024 Sacramento Homelessness Point-in-Time (PIT) Count

Goals

Note: Goals percent measured from the 2024 Sacramento Homelessness Point-in-Time (PIT) Count.

The Housing Families First Collaborative is here to unite community efforts.

The Housing Families First Collaborative, initiated by Sacramento Steps Forward in 2023, unites community efforts under a shared vision supported by the Sacramento Continuum of Care (CoC).

This initiative prioritizes systemic change, improved access to services and housing, and the promotion of data-informed strategies. It integrates methodologies from Built for Zero—a national movement proving that ending homelessness is possible one population at a time through data-driven approaches.

A significant near-term focus for the Collaborative is the re-granting of $4.5 million from the Bezos Day 1 Family Fund to local organizations. Our strategic plan directs that these funds be fully invested in community programs that aid families by November 2026.

The Collaborative also includes the Black Child Legacy Project, which focuses on reducing the mortality rates of African American children in Sacramento County.

The Housing Families First Collaborative membership consists of diverse housing providers and content experts across the county and city, all dedicated to supporting families and individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Ready to get involved?

Virtual Meetings

Date: First Tuesday of the month
Time: 11:00 a.m.
 

Join a meeting

In-Person Meetings

Date: Third Tuesday of the month
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Changes monthly

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See the faces behind the work.

  • Co-Chair

Sheri Green

  • Division Manager
  • Sacramento County Department of Behavioral Health Services
  • Co-Chair

Kristy Smith

  • Case Manager
  • Sac S.O.U.P. Inc.
  • Member-at-Large

Marjorie Beazer

  • Person With Lived Expertise
  • HOPE Consulting, Inc.
  • Member-at-Large

Bridget Alexander

  • Executive Director
  • Waking the Village
  • Member-at-Large

Tara Turrentine

  • Coordinator, Education for Homeless Children and Youths
  • Sacramento County Office of Education
  • Member-at-Large

Aaron Owens

  • Case Manager
  • Lutheran Social Services
  • Member-at-Large

Amani Sawires

  • Chief Operating Officer
  • Sacramento Children’s Home
  • Member-at-Large

Ariane Della Dea

  • Lived Experience Advisors
  • Member-at-Large

Christine Smith

  • Director, Early Learning
  • Sacramento County Office of Education
  • Member-at-Large

Elizabeth Aguilar

  • Youth Action Board
  • Member-at-Large

Geneanne Gaines

  • Client Prosperity Manager
  • WEAVE
  • Member-at-Large

Maria Atencia

  • My Time Movement
  • Member-at-Large

Noni Plasichuk

  • Program Manager, Regional Housing Strategy
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • Member-at-Large

Onesimo “O” Cendejas

  • Partner with Lived Expertise Advocate
  • Member-at-Large

Rodolfo Davidson

  • Program Manager
  • City of Sacramento, Office of Homeless Services
  • Member-at-Large

Yene Wolteji

  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Bridging Initiatives

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