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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 upcoming meetings include:
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CoC Board: Wednesday, November 18, 8:00 a.m. (Note: the November meeting has been moved from the second to third Wednesday in recognition of Veterans Day)
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CoC Submits Recommendations to Regional Task Force
At its October 14 meeting, the Sacramento Continuum of Care Board approved that recommendations regarding CoC governance and administration be submitted to the Sacramento Housing and Homelessness Ad Hoc Task Force. Proposed by SSF, the recommendations address the role of the CoC Collaborative Applicant and HMIS Lead, CoC committees and time-sensitive decisions, and CoC Board seats and NOFO competitiveness, and more.
REVIEW THE MEMO ➜
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You're Invited: "Unhoused Neighbors" Screening on December 1
"Unhoused Neighbors," a Sacramento-based documentary following the experiences of people navigating life without shelter over the course of a year, will be screened free of charge on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the Crest Theatre.
The screening begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a panel discussion including Sacramento Steps Forward CEO Trent Simmons. Optional donations will benefit First Step Communities, Loaves & Fishes, and Sacramento Steps Forward.
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SSF Submits Comments to HUD regarding Homelessness Reduction Strategies
In response to a call for public comment on strategies other than permanent housing that HUD may consider to be “proven effective” at reducing homelessness, SSF submitted a comprehensive response. HUD must consider comments from CoC’s, partners, and providers to inform future funding rounds. While SSF supported several areas, we requested that HUD resolve four issues before adopting its proposal: correct referenced evidence, address existing legal protections, define service participation agreements, and give communities time to build capacity.
READ THE FULL SUMMARY OF OUR RESPONSE ➜
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Provider Spotlight: Capital Compassion
From helping people access food and essential supplies to connecting them with health care, recovery services, and housing, Capital Compassion supports an average of 40 people experiencing homelessness each day in Sacramento.
In this month's Provider Spotlight, Rick Cole shares how the organization is making a difference, including the story of one individual who secured housing, reconnected with family, and now volunteers to help others.
As Rick explains, “That means we don’t give up on people. Crisis, addiction, and homelessness rarely resolve in a straight line.”
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Policy Insights & Impacts: A Fair Chance to Keep A Home
New California legislation taking effect in January helps ensure that families facing eviction learn about a lawsuit while there is still time to respond and seek help. AB 747, the Service of Process Accountability, Reform and Equity (SPARE) Act, strengthens accountability for how court papers are delivered.
The law puts new duties on landlords and process servers, not tenants. Families don't need to do anything different but do need to act quickly if they receive court papers.
Learn more about what this means for tenants and service providers in our full article below.
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Donor Appreciation: Health System Partners Help Case Conferencing Grow
Sacramento Steps Forward is grateful to the funding partners who help programs launch, grow, and strengthen our community’s ability to prevent and resolve homelessness.
This summer, Kaiser Permanente and UC Davis Health renewed their funding for SSF’s case conferencing, a program that brings service providers together to connect those experiencing chronic homelessness to housing, health care, and social services. The program has filled an important gap in Sacramento’s homelessness response system.
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The Coordinated Access System:
September Data
In September, Sacramento’s Coordinated Access System (CAS), through the 2-1-1 Housing Crisis Line, made 5,635 connections to resources, supported 118 exits to housing, and facilitated 267 shelter enrollments. These outcomes are particularly meaningful given that available shelter resources met just 12% of total shelter demand.
Problem-Solving Access Points (PSAPs) supported 105 households in finding or maintaining housing, with $156,362 in direct client assistance helping address financial barriers to housing stability. Shared housing is also emerging as an important pathway, offering households another option when affordable housing opportunities are limited.
Looking to learn more about the CAS and the people behind it? Read our latest CAS newsletter ➜
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The People Behind the Work: Tina Wilton
Meet Tina Wilton, Sacramento Steps Forward’s Lead Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Administrator! Since joining SSF in 2016, Tina has helped keep the systems and data behind Sacramento’s homelessness response running smoothly, combining her love of problem-solving with a commitment to supporting local service providers.
“I love that I get to do the kind of work that naturally excites me while contributing to a mission that truly matters.”
Outside of work, Tina’s talents extend well beyond technology and data. From managing an 11-acre ranch full of animals to organizing sailing races, she has plenty of stories to share!
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New Analysis Projects Largest Decline in Veteran Homelessness in a Decade
Veteran homelessness nationwide could decline by 8.2% in 2026, marking the largest annual decrease in 10 years, according to a new preliminary analysis from Community Solutions.
Using available Point-in-Time (PIT) Count data, the organization estimates that fewer than 30,000 veterans experienced homelessness in 2026, potentially the lowest number recorded since veterans were first included in the count in 2009.
The findings, reported by Military.com, highlight the role of sustained investment in veteran housing programs, supportive services, and coordination among federal, state, and local partners.
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New Research Examines CalAIM Funding Changes for Supportive Housing
A new research brief from UC Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation examines recent and proposed changes to CalAIM funding for services in permanent supportive housing (PSH).
Some Medi-Cal managed care plans are reducing reimbursement rates, increasing documentation requirements, and denying service reauthorizations. The state has also proposed limiting service authorization periods to six months.
The brief explores the factors behind these changes and their potential impacts on providers’ ability to deliver ongoing supportive services and help residents maintain housing stability.
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National Survey for Understanding the Use of Housing Problem Solving in Homelessness Response
The National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) is seeking input from people with lived experience of homelessness, service providers, system leaders, and funders on how Housing Problem Solving (HPS) is understood and used in homelessness response efforts.
Your feedback will help inform future resources and tools from NAEH to support effective HPS practices. The anonymous, voluntary survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.
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Bulk Bus Pass Purchasing Update
We want to remind our provider partners that Sacramento Steps Forward (SSF) no longer sells bus passes in bulk.
If you're interested in purchasing bus passes in bulk or learning about available discount programs, please contact Sacramento Regional Transit directly for information on current options and pricing.
Thank you for your continued partnership and the work you do to support our community.
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Public Comment Open on Second Draft of California Housing Funding Regulations
California’s Housing Development and Finance Committee (HDFC) has released a second draft of proposed regulations designed to streamline affordable housing funding through a single application, coordinated review process, aligned award timelines, and consistent standards across programs.
Housing providers, developers, and other stakeholders are invited to review the updated regulations and provide feedback by November 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. A public hearing is also scheduled for November 9, from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
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October Wellness Tip: Something to Look Forward To
When your days are filled with responsibilities, deadlines, and urgent needs, it's easy for the things you enjoy to fall to the bottom of the list even after you clock out.
This month, try putting one small thing on your calendar that's just for you. Maybe it's dinner with a friend, an afternoon spent on a hobby, or simply an evening with no plans or obligations. It doesn't need to be elaborate or expensive. The important part is making planned space for something you genuinely enjoy.
Having something to look forward to can make even the hardest of days easier and help you stay connected to the interests and relationships that matter outside of work.
What helps you recognize and work through the emotions that can come with this work? 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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