First Step Housing

Programs: In the last few years the department of housing and urban development (hud) has established directives for a housing first model as a top priory. The emphasis would be to place homeless people in permanent housing and to coordinate access for the services they need. The first step communities (fsc) organization, along with other catalyst of this work such as sacramento steps forward (ssf) and the sacramento continuum of care (coc), are in agreement with hud's direction towards housing first as the priority model. It should be noted, however, that a troublesome gap persists in the ability to secure funding to produce sufficient permanent housing that is affordable and supportive for the homeless population. This is especially true for the population of homeless who are the most chronically effected when it comes to accessing permanent housing programs, emergency shelters and/or services. It is this vulnerable population that is often unable to find the appropriate services needed. These are the individuals who represent fsc's targeted interests for support. The overall mission of first step communities is to provide interim housing and services to the most vulnerable of the homeless population. In doing so, fsc and its collaborative partners will help this targeted group of individuals as they move through the interim services provided. The desired outcome is to prepare this population for rapid rehousing programs that will align with a housing first model and prioritize a successful transition to permanent housing. Accomplishments for 2016 included:pilgrimage program - fsc administered the pilgrimage shelter program from january through december 2016. This is a rotating shelter program that collaborates with midtown sacramento congregations for facilities and elica health for primary health care and referrals. A unique feature of the program is that the guests are encouraged not only to volunteer in the program but provided the opportunity to earn a spot on a homeless volunteer leadership team where they can receive special training and support. Grants from kaiser foundation, u. S. Bank, and the ann land bertha henschel memorial fund helped support this primarily volunteer effort. Winter sanctuary program - fsc was awarded a contract to administer the 2016-17 winter sanctuary program by sacramento steps forward. This is a rotating shelter program running daily from november through march. Fsc started in november 2016. The low barrier shelter program successfully provided shelter, meals and transportation to approximately 100 homeless individuals that could not get in traditional shelter programs. The program is financially supported annually by sacramento county. Fsc was able to bring in collaborating service partners to provide housing counseling, primary health care and referrals, as well as insurance experts to help provide access to appropriate insurance. Fsc interim homeless community - fsc continued planning efforts and strategies for political support during 2016. This program is intended to provide interim housing communities utilizing micro-homes and a community center with a medical clinic. Our target is a 2018 kick-off.