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 racial equity through 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, City and County
Kristy Smith
Co-Chair
Partners with Lived Expertise, SSF
Collaborative Sectors: Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Prevention, Families with Lived Experiences Representative, Crisis Intervention and Prevention
Bridget Alexander
Executive Director, Waking the Village
Collaborative Sectors:
Homelessness Resource Providers, Crisis Intervention and Prevention
Reverand Berhanu Kumalo
Executive and Founder,
Mercy Holistic Ministry
Collaborative Sectors:
Homelessness Resource Providers, Faith-Based Organizations
Yene Wolteji
Chief Executive Officer, Bridging Initiatives
Collaborative Sectors:
Homelessness Resource Providers, Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Prevention
Erica Jaramillo
Program Planner, Sacramento County Department of Behavioral Health Services
Collaborative Sectors:
County Health and Human Services, City and County
Geneanne Gaines
Advocate, WEAVE
Collaborative Sector:
Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Prevention
Amani Sawires
Chief Operating Officer, Sacramento Children’s Home
Collaborative Sectors: Community-Based Mental Health Services, Family Resource Centers, Crisis Intervention and Prevention
Mercedes Lott
Partners with Lived Expertise, SSF
Collaborative Sector:
Families with Lived Experiences Representative
Jedida Gomes
Senior Program Officer, The Center, Sierra Health Foundation
Collaborative Sectors:
Crisis Intervention and Prevention, Black Child Legacy Campaign, Philanthropy
Christine Smith
Director, Early Learning, Sacramento County Office of Education
Collaborative Sectors:
Education, First 5
Tara Turrentine
Coordinator, Education for Homeless Children and Youths, Sacramento County Office of Education
Collaborative Sector:
Education
Noni Plasichuk
Program Manager – Regional Housing Strategy, Anthem Blue Cross
Collaborative Sector:
Health Care Systems/Providers
Rolf Davidson
Program Manager, City of Sacramento, Office of Homeless Services
Collaborative Sector:
City and County
Sacramento Steps Forward is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) charity serving the Sacramento region. EIN# 27-4907397
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