|
June Newsletter Highlights:
Learn how strategic training empowers service providers, save the date for the CoC Annual Meeting, access opioid crisis resources for qualified organizations, and more.
| | | |
I have always had a hunger for learning and helping others, to simplify hard to understand topics and make them impactful, memorable, and relatable. That curiosity carried over to a life-long passion for learning and sharing all the “newest and latest” with anyone who would listen. It’s an honor to bring that passion to the Coordinated Access System (CAS) Assessor Training Series—and many additional provider trainings—with Sacramento Steps Forward.
As the moderator for these courses, I learn alongside each new CAS Assessor as they complete the required training to work within Sacramento’s homelessness response system. Assessors are frontline staff who directly provide clients experiencing homelessness with guidance, support, and services. They serve as housing navigators, case managers, outreach workers, and other key roles with agencies.
Our trainings, which are human-centered and housing-focused, prepare local frontline staff for critical case management work. The sessions provide our system with staff who have standardized and qualified approaches to supporting clients with diversion practices and motivational interviewing techniques with a trauma-informed approach.
All training courses are designed to meet varied learning styles, are recorded, and offer onscreen tutorials when relevant. Additionally, SSF training courses always offer open space for questions and answers with active learning.
Each training builds on the next one, beginning with best practices and ending with people-focused skills for providers. By doing this, the courses offer a solid foundation for providers to feel more prepared to engage with clients in a collaborative and empowering way.
The CAS Assessor training and certification program has provided essential support for our region, achieving:
- 123 new CAS Assessors with a 95% pass rate on first attempt since January 2025
- 755 CAS Assessors trained since September 2024
- Assessor growth in confidence and knowledge, and “high satisfaction” with the training materials, based on survey results
In the months ahead, we are planning to expand the CAS training in several ways, including more Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) onscreen demonstrations and assessment focused trainings to help CAS Assessors build focused skills with measurable impacts.
Every achievement and step forward is made possible by the commitment of our community’s frontline staff. The trainings I lead open and close with deep and authentic gratitude for the work that they have been called to do. This work is not done in a silo. It most successfully happens through connection, coordination, and anchored by shared standards.
Assessors in our community bring passion to their work that is invaluable, as well as curiosity, commitment, and heart. Sacramento Steps Forward is committed to supporting them (and, perhaps, this is you!) to serve clients with human-centered advocacy and trauma-informed practices.
Ready to get involved? Learn more about the trainings we offer here.
With gratitude and joy,
Jodi Weiner
|
| | | |
Continuum of Care June Meetings
Discover more about our local Continuum of Care (CoC)—which leads our regional planning, coordination, and funding to resolve homelessness—by joining upcoming committee meetings.
- June 12: HMIS & Data
- June 24: Project Review
- June 25: Point-in-Time
| | | | |
Save the Date: CoC Annual Meeting Set for July 9!
This year’s Continuum of Care (CoC) annual meeting will replace the regularly scheduled July CoC Board meeting and provide an opportunity for the Sacramento community to participate in developing and defining a new era for our homelessness response system. With the likelihood of reduced funding from local, state, and federal sources, coordination and collaboration are essential. The CoC aims to continue to lead our region toward productive and purposeful plans to meet the challenges of our time, to prevent and resolve homelessness.
The meeting will include a virtual forum for the community on Wednesday, July 9, focused on the state’s Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) grant program which brings millions in funds to Sacramento. The meeting will include presentations on this critical funding and its impact and provide opportunities for participant engagement and feedback.
Learn how HHAP funding benefits our community here.
| | | |
Frontline Learning Collaborative Meeting
Mark your calendars for the two-year anniversary meeting of the Frontline Learning Collaborative on Thursday, June 26, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at the Rose Family Creative Empowerment Center. This meeting will include three special guest speakers, including those from the Child Abuse Prevention Council, Semper Fi & Americas Fund, and The Gathering Inn.
This is a great opportunity for frontline staff to connect, learn, and grow together.
| | Updates & Progress Points | | | |
How the Coordinated Access System Helped in April 2025
Sacramento's Coordinated Access System (CAS) is our community's door to homelessness and housing services. In April, it connected 7,234 people to housing and homelessness services. The CAS helped prevent homelessness for 19 people, supported 110 to become housed, and enrolled 313 in shelter. Stories from the field give us just a small glimpse into how the CAS works—for instance, providing services for a mother, her partner, and their two children who had been living in their car for some time. She contacted 2-1-1 and, within days, was approved for assistance. Her relief and joy were palpable as she shared her excitement about finally having a home for her family.
To access the CAS, call 2-1-1 and press 8.
| | | | |
State of Homelessness April Data
According to data gleaned from our Homeless Information Management System, by the end of April 2025:
- 1,538 people entered homelessness,
- 988 people exited homelessness,
- 6,390 people were actively experiencing homelessness, and
- the net increase was an additional 550 people experiencing homelessness within Sacramento.
To get the most out of the dashboard, watch the video for explanations and how-tos.
| | | | |
Provider Spotlight:
The Sacramento Youth Center
We’re spotlighting the Sacramento Youth Center, a community partner providing free, youth-centered services and a safe space led by staff with lived experience. From peer support and mental wellness classes to job training through their café, the Center gives young people a place to feel supported and build toward their goals. Want to support their work? Stop by Cafe Paso, open to the public Tuesday through Saturday.
| | | | |
The NDP Announces Free Resources to Combat Opioid Crisis
The Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP), administered by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), offers free naloxone nasal spray and fentanyl test strips to eligible organizations throughout the state. The NDP distributes both Narcan and generic naloxone nasal spray through the CalRx Naloxone Access Initiative. Eligible entities include first responders, community organizations, schools, clinics, recovery programs, and local agencies. Organizations can apply through the NDP online application portal. Free all-in-one fentanyl test strip kits are also available while supplies last.
| | | | |
Apply to Become the Youth Action Board Host Organization
Sacramento Steps Forward is seeking a local partner organization to administer and support the operations of the Sacramento Youth Action Board (YAB). The selected organization will be responsible for managing the administrative and operational functions of the YAB, ensuring alignment with the broader goals of the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) and the Sacramento Continuum of Care (CoC). The state-funded contract will be for a two-year period beginning in August.
The organization will hire and support YAB members as employees, provide training and mentorship, and help them lead youth-driven projects and advocacy. The organization will also ensure the YAB plays a strong role in local planning and decision-making by supporting their involvement in the CoC and community work.
Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
Questions regarding the application and selection process are accepted through June 24 and can be submitted here. Interested applicants are also invited to attend a virtual informational session on Tuesday, June 17. Additional details can be found at the link below.
| | | |
Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Support and Resources for Providers
Sacramento Steps Forward is dedicated to supporting enrolled providers with their funding applications by providing detailed outcome reports from our HMIS and offering tools to enhance your program's success. To access support, check out these resources:
Are you interested in learning more about the data and reports that come out of our HMIS? Sign up for our HMIS Data mailing list below.
| | | |
New Polling: Collective Concern About Housing Costs and Homelessness
A new poll from the National Alliance to End Homelessness and Morning Consult reveals strong public concern over homelessness and housing affordability, with a majority of Americans tying the worsening crisis to rising housing costs. Polling results show that the link between housing and homelessness is clear: 72% of adults agree that their community would face less homelessness if there were more affordable housing options, yet 58% say their community hasn’t invested nearly enough to meet that need.
| | |
Share Your Work: Be Featured as a Provider
Help us highlight the great work happening across Sacramento! We’re inviting providers to share their progress, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration to be featured in our upcoming newsletters and other communications. This is a chance to showcase your impact, inspire new partnerships, and help shape the conversation around homelessness response. Fill out the form below to share your story and connect with the broader community.
| | | |
Sacramento County Seeks Community Feedback Ahead of RFP Release
The Sacramento County Department of Health Services, Behavioral Health Services (BHS), is requesting final feedback on Draft Letters of Interest (LOI) and Program Proposals (PP) for Community Wellness Initiatives Serving the Unhoused in ZIP Codes 95823 and 95838 to ensure the funding opportunity aligns with community priorities and reflects earlier stakeholder input.
This proposed project, funded through the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Innovation (INN) Component, focuses on culturally rooted and community-defined wellness practices to support individuals with a serious mental illness. By partnering with trusted community-based organizations rooted in and serving ZIP code 95823 or ZIP code 95838, the project aims to improve mental health outcomes by promoting stability, reducing barriers to care, and decreasing the risk and impact of homelessness. The opportunity will be open to organizations which have not contracted with BHS, ensuring space for new voices.
Feedback is due by Wednesday, June 18, and the Request for Proposals (RFP) is expected to release on Monday, July 7.
| | | | | |
