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.
Approximately 350 families experience homelessness in Sacramento County each night.
Source: 2024 Sacramento Homelessness Point-in-Time (PIT) Count
Note: Goals percent measured from the 2024 Sacramento Homelessness Point-in-Time (PIT) Count.
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.
Date: First Tuesday of the month
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Date: Third Tuesday of the month
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Changes monthly
Sheri Green
Co-Chair
Division Manager
Sacramento County Department of Behavioral Health Services
Collaborative Sectors: County Health and Human Services
Kristy Smith
Co-Chair
Partners with Lived Expertise Advocate
Collaborative Sectors: Families with Lived Experiences Representative
Aaron Owens
Case Manager, Lutheran Social Services
Collaborative Sectors:
Housing Advocacy and Policy
Amani Sawires
Chief Operating Officer, Sacramento Children’s Home
Collaborative Sectors:
Crisis Intervention and Prevention
Ariane Della Dea
Lived Experience Advisors
Collaborative Sectors:
Community-Based Mental Health Services
Bridget Alexander
Executive Director, Waking the Village
Collaborative Sectors:
Homelessness Resource Providers
Christine Smith
Director, Early Learning, Sacramento County Office of Education
Collaborative Sectors:
First 5
Collaborative Sectors:
Youth Representatives,
Including Transitional-Aged Youth
Geneanne Gaines
Client Prosperity Manager, WEAVE
Maria Atencia
My Time Movement
Collaborative Sector:
Families with Lived
Experiences Representative
Collaborative Sector:
Health Care Systems/Providers
Onesimo Cendejas
Partner with Lived Expertise Advocate
Rodolfo Davidson
Program Manager, City of Sacramento, Office of Homeless Services
Collaborative Sector:
City and County
Tara Turrentine
Coordinator, Education for Homeless Children and Youths, Sacramento County Office of Education
Collaborative Sector:
Education
Yene Wolteji
Chief Executive Officer, Bridging Initiatives
Collaborative Sectors:
Family Resource Centers
Sacramento Steps Forward is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) charity serving the Sacramento region. EIN# 27-4907397
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