The goal of the Sacramento County & Cities Board on Homelessness (SC&CBoH) is to reduce homelessness in Sacramento County by developing and supporting a Continuum of Care Homeless Plan.
The SC&CBoH was established in October 1998 to ensure a coordinated and systematic approach to our homeless problem, and facilitate community collaboration to cooperatively address solutions.
Both the Sacramento City Council and the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors approved the formation of the SC&CBoH, including the project's goal and focus areas.
In 2003, the SC&CBoH assumed the role as the homeless Continuum of Care planning body.
The SC&CBoH serves as an advisory board to the County Board of Supervisors and City Council. Its membership includes business and neighborhood representatives, service providers, Sacramento County and City (Sacramento, Citrus Heights, and Folsom) employees, law enforcement representatives, formerly homeless individuals, and elected officials. Monthly meetings are open to the public. The Board is organized into committees, which focus on various aspects of homelessness issues.
Outreach teams work with homeless campers along the American River Parkway to identify their needs and offer immediate assistance into appropriate living quarters and self-help programs.
Community Forum:
The SC&CBoH held a Community Forum in February 2004 to educate the public and provide the opportunity for the community to identify priorities and gaps in services for the homeless and provide input on a Ten Year Plan to end Chronic Homelessness.
Foster Youth:
Work is in progress to provide extensive services to transition foster youth into adulthood and self-sufficiency.
Survey:
Volunteers surveyed 501 at-risk homeless, homeless, and previously homeless people to identify barriers to acquiring and maintaining housing and basic human needs. Data will guide policy and allocation of resources.
Transportation:
To support the continuation and possible expansion of the free Shuttle transportation between the downtown social services network.
Discharge Planning:
Focus groups with homeless and formerly homeless individuals discharged from county institutions to be completed June 2004. Written policy review in process.
Policies:
To continue to review and provide input into county policies to support the implementation of policies, procedures and services that will mitigate the incidence of homelessness for the identified populations.
Respite Care:
To establish a 5-18 bed respite facility for homeless individuals in need of respite care who are being discharged from area hospitals. (Refer to Respite Care Committee report.)
Data Collection:
The Data Collection Subcommittee gathers data on homeless individuals, which will be entered into an Internet accessible database. This data will be used to coordinate efforts to connect people to appropriate services.
Ordinance:
Facilitate the enacting of a 647d(b) ordinance in Sacramento County.
