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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?

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.

Area Represented:
PWLEC
Steward of the Sacramento Homeless Union

Member-at-Large

Elizabeth Aguilar

Area Represented:
Youth Action Board

Member-at-Large

Bridget Alexander

Executive Director

Waking the Village

Area Represented:
Shelter/Housing Provider

Member-at-Large

Maria Atencia

My Time Movement

Member-at-Large

Onesimo “O” Cendejas

Partner with Lived Expertise Advocate

Area Represented:
Homeless Service Provider
Person With Lived Expertise

Member-at-Large

Rodolfo Davidson

Program Manager

City of Sacramento, Office of Homeless Services

Member-at-Large

Ariane Della Dea

Lived Experience Advisors

Member-at-Large

Geneanne Gaines

Client Prosperity Manager

WEAVE

Member-at-Large

Noni Plasichuk

Program Manager, Regional Housing Strategy

Anthem Blue Cross

Area Represented:
Managed Care Plan

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

Christine Smith

Director, Early Learning

Sacramento County Office of Education

Member-at-Large

Tara Turrentine

Coordinator, Education for Homeless Children and Youths

Sacramento County Office of Education

Member-at-Large

Yene Wolteji

Chief Executive Officer

Bridging Initiatives

Welcome to our new website!

Help finding information

If you are unable to find the information or resources you need, reach out via the form below. We will respond as quickly as possible. Thank you for your partnership!

open form

Note: We don’t provide direct services like shelter placements or case management. For support information, visit sacramentostepsforward.org/access-support.

FY25 CoC NOFO Program Competition:
Community Information Session

HUD has released the FY25 Continuum of Care funding opportunity, outlining major changes to the application process, criteria, and timeline. This funding is Sacramento’s primary source of federal support for housing and services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

We’re hosting a community information session to share what’s new and how our community is coordinating to apply for this funding.

learn more and join the meeting
Notice of Funding Opportunity

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