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June Newsletter Highlights:
Understand how Sacramento accesses federal funding to support our neighbors, celebrate Lisa Bates and welcome our incoming Interim CEO, learn about how local homelessness governance is changing, read our 2025 annual report, & more!
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Making Sure Sacramento is Counted in for Federal Funding
A Message from Dr. Trent Simmons, Incoming Interim CEO, Sacramento Steps Forward
The release of Sacramento's 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count results has come at an important time for our community. As we prepare for the launch of the local 2026 Continuum of Care (CoC) Program Competition, we're seeing how the PIT, planning, and partnership come together to bring resources into Sacramento and connect people to housing and services.
While our Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) provides the most comprehensive picture of homelessness trends throughout the year, the PIT Count serves a different purpose. Required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), it provides a consistent, nationwide snapshot that communities use to demonstrate need, compare trends, and compete for federal homelessness funding.
In other words, the count helps ensure Sacramento is counted when resources are distributed.
This year's PIT Count estimated that 7,458 people experiencing homelessness across Sacramento County, with increases in both sheltered and unsheltered homelessness since 2024. The results did show very encouraging shifts: More people were accessing shelter, growth in unsheltered homelessness slowed, and fewer people were experiencing homelessness for the first time or returning after previously exiting homelessness.
Those findings help provide context for the work happening across our community to prevent and resolve homelessness. More importantly, they signal where continued investments can be most effective, as we prepare to launch the local 2026 Continuum of Care (CoC) Program Competition for federal funding.
Each year, HUD awards billions of dollars nationwide through the CoC Program. Those funds support housing and services that thousands of people rely on, including permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, coordinated access to services, and the HMIS. For many programs operating in Sacramento, this funding represents the foundation that makes their work possible.
Since communities across the nation also are hoping to receive as much of this funding as possible, competition is tight.
Communities must demonstrate need, document performance, and show that resources are being used effectively. The PIT Count is a required part of that story alongside HMIS data, system outcomes, local planning efforts, and the work providers deliver every day.
This year's competition leans into performance data more than ever, with HUD describing it as, “the most competitive funding opportunity in the history of the CoC program.” This year’s competition also presents an added challenge for our community: HUD has moved away from Housing First as an organizing principle and is now directing funding toward treatment and recovery, transitional housing, and supportive services. Our portfolio—like most CoCs nationally—was built around permanent housing. That alignment no longer holds, and we need to be honest with ourselves and our partners about what that means for this competition and the people depending on these programs.
For providers considering applying for or renewing funding, reviewing the latest release of the CoC Program Notice of Funding Opportunity is the first step. Over the coming months, Sacramento Steps Forward will work with provider partners to develop competitive applications, align investments with community priorities, and pursue every available opportunity to bring federal resources into our region.
I'm excited to see what this year's competition makes possible. The work ahead will require coordination, creativity, and collaboration, but that's something Sacramento providers have consistently demonstrated year after year.
Thank you for being part of that effort.
In partnership,
Dr. Trent Simmons
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From the SSF Board:
Celebrating Lisa Bates & Moving Forward
"To our Sacramento community,
Sacramento Steps Forward is at an inflection point as we celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Lisa Bates, long-time CEO, while also moving forward with confidence and clarity to the next phase of our work for the Sacramento community.
Lisa announced her resignation on May 21 and concludes her time with SSF on June 5. Her decision is a personal one that has been in process for some time, and one the Board fully supports.
We want to honor the depth and dignity of what she has given to this organization and region. For more than seven years of leadership, Lisa has guided SSF through some significant challenges including a global pandemic, shifts in federal and local funding landscapes, and a constantly evolving political environment. Through it all, she has remained a dedicated, determined, and principled leader."
READ THE FULL LETTER FROM THE SSF BOARD ➜
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Continuum of Care Meetings
Get involved in our local Continuum of Care (CoC), which leads our regional planning, coordination, and funding to resolve homelessness. This month's meetings include:
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CoC Board: In-person on Wednesday, June 10, 8:00 a.m.
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CoC Board Approves New Shared Governance Model
The May meeting of the Continuum of Care (CoC) Board continued the regional conversation on restructuring management of Sacramento’s homelessness response system.
City of Sacramento and Sacramento County staff jointly presented a proposal that both entities support. The model would establish a Continuum of Care governing body primarily of elected officials but also would include community, provider, and persons with lived expertise representatives.
The Board had a substantial discussion about the qualities of an effective homelessness response system and the merits of various governance structures. The topic concluded with the passage of a motion to approve the City/County Partnership Model with the amendment that CoC representatives would be formally identified at the next Board meeting.
Under this framework:
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Elected officials from the City of Sacramento, Sacramento County, and surrounding cities would serve on a new joint CoC governing board dedicated to housing and homelessness efforts.
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Community members would serve alongside elected officials on the board and continue to shape direction through committees and CoC membership.
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An independent administrator would support coordination, implementation, and day-to-day operations.
The City, County, CoC, and interested surrounding cities will now work together to develop the details of the new structure. This includes details of board composition, roles and responsibilities, and implementation steps.
To be part of the conversation, join monthly CoC Board meetings the second Wednesday of every month at 8:00 a.m.
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National Shared Housing Conference Advanced Certificate Program
The Bay Area Community Services (BACS) and the Shared Housing Institute are hosting the National Shared Housing Conference Advanced Certificate Program, a 1.5-day training designed to help providers strengthen and expand shared housing strategies in their communities. Participants will explore practical, field-tested approaches to topics including client choice, diversion and prevention, landlord engagement, case conferencing, funding strategies, and long-term housing stability. The training will take place June 8–9 in Oakland and is geared toward teams actively working to grow shared housing opportunities. Travel scholarships and hotel support may be available through the organizers.
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Continuum of Care Program Competition: Federal Notice of Funding Opportunity Released
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Continuum of Care (CoC) Program Competition on June 1, 2026. There is approximately $4.04 billion available nationally in the competition.
The due date for communities across the nation is Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 5:00 p.m. PST. As the Sacramento Collaborative Applicant, Sacramento Steps Forward will lead the local process for responding to the FY2026 NOFO.
Visit our FY2026 NOFO webpage for updated information about the local competition, including local competition timelines, local office hours, information on how to apply for new and renewal funding in this year’s competition, and more. Plus, attend next week's CoC Board meeting to learn about the FY2026 NOFO, including more details about the local process and what to expect for this round of the funding opportunity.
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Takeaways from HUD’s Primary Annual Report on Homelessness
This week, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released the annual federal report on homelessness. By in large, these nationwide trends reflected the same realities we have seen here in Sacramento. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, top takeaways include:
- Homeless services systems housed more people in 2025, but large numbers of individuals still need housing
- Racial disparities are continuing to persist within homelessness
- Progress is being made on unsheltered homelessness in some states and cities
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SSF 2025 Annual Report: A Review of our Programs, Impact, and Financials
Sacramento’s homelessness response system connects households to shelter, housing, and supportive services through coordinated, data-informed processes. Sacramento Steps Forward serves as the backbone organization supporting system stewardship, planning, data management, and investments that strengthen regional coordination. In 2025, these collective efforts continued to expand access, improve coordination, and support more effective pathways to resolving homelessness.
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Thank you for giving on BDOG!
Nearly $475,000 was raised for housing and shelter providers across the Sacramento region during the 2026 Big Day of Giving last month. This support is critical in the face of growing funding challenges, and shows that our community remains deeply committed to uplifting those in need.
Thank you to all who made a gift to Sacramento Steps Forward and the many other community providers and partners that are working toward a community where everyone has a safe place to call home.
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The Coordinated Access System: April Data
CAS saw overall improvements from March to April 2026, with increases in resource connections, shelter enrollments, and housing exits. In April, 5,596 resource connections were made, up from 5,343 in March, while shelter enrollments increased from 247 to 267 households.
Housing outcomes also improved, with 109 households exiting to housing in April, compared to 100 in March, and prevention efforts assisting 11 households avoid homelessness. The system also became more efficient, reducing the average time from shelter assessment to intake from 10 days to 7 days.
Want to learn more about the CAS? Sign up for our CAS newsletter!
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Help Inform the True Cost of Housing Support Services
The Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) is inviting organizations that provide housing support services to complete a statewide survey on the true cost of delivering these services. Results will help inform advocacy efforts and educate state leaders, including DHCS and Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans, about funding gaps and reimbursement rates. Organizations providing housing navigation, tenancy-sustaining services, or other housing and homelessness-focused case management are encouraged to participate by June 15, 2026.
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Semper Fi & America's Fund's Housing Insecurity Initiative
Are you a case manager working with veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness? Semper Fi & America's Fund's initiative offers the following financial assistance to veterans nationwide:
- Entry into housing — first month's rent and/or deposit. The veteran must be unhoused. We cannot assist veterans who are currently housed.
- Eviction prevention — The veteran must have received formal written notice — an eviction notice, notice to vacate, or pay-or-quit notice.
To qualify, a veteran must have:
- A minimum of 180 days of service
- A DD214 or NGB22 (no other documents accepted)
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Analysis from the National Alliance to End Homelessness:
Race and Gender Shape the Challenges Faced by Homelessness Workers with Lived Experience
In the fall of 2024, the Alliance’s Homelessness Research Institute (HRI) partnered with seven experts to design two national surveys to help uncover how race and gender impact homelessness service workers with lived experience.
The expanded findings are undeniable; people with lived experience, specifically workers of Color and women, report the most significant financial hardships compared to others working in homelessness response systems.
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June Wellness Tip: Try a Two-Minute Reset Between Tasks
In homelessness response work, the next urgent need often arrives before you've had a chance to process the last one. Research has found that brief recovery moments during the workday can help reduce stress, improve focus, and support well-being over time.
A two-minute reset can be as simple as standing up and stretching, stepping outside for fresh air, refilling your water, or taking a few slow breaths before moving to your next task. This short pause can help reduce mental fatigue and make it easier to stay present throughout the day, especially when the work is demanding.
Do you have a completion practice when you end your day? We’d love to hear about it! Use the button below to share what works for you.
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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.
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