Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance (DHA) is proud to announce the launch of the $1.35 million redesigned system for families experiencing homelessness, under County Initiative to Reduce Homelessness #1. DHA is partnering with Next Move and Volunteers of Americato ensure maximum and more effective utilization of our family shelter system. Effective October 2, 2017, families experiencing homelessness can self-register for emergency shelter services by visiting https://dhaservices.saccounty.net/efs and answering a few questions. The registration website can be accessed through a personal device, or at one of the DHA resource centers, located around the county.
This change in process is a significant improvement that streamlines the registration process, coordinates efforts between providers, families and services and provides a clear and easy path for families that are in need of services. “Sacramento County has already experienced a 25 percent decrease in families experiencing homelessness from the last point in time count.” says Director of Homeless Initiatives Cynthia Cavanaugh. “We anticipate that this new, streamlined process will continue to move us in the right direction.”
Families will be prioritized for shelter based on vulnerabilities, including the experience of literal homelessness, and shelter vacancy. No family will be denied shelter services due to household configuration, eligibility for aid, employment or criminal history (with the exception of registered sex offenders). Each family will be contacted within three (3) business days of completing the self-registration process and will be offered interim case management until shelter is available. Families who are housed and registered for emergency shelter will be contacted and referred for diversion assistance with the goal of keeping the family safely housed in their current living arrangement so homelessness is avoided. Homelessness is a very traumatic circumstance so the County is pleased to publicize that families will now be able to accept emergency shelter without having to give-up their cherished pets; shelters will now offer onsite kennels for families that include pets. Partnerships with the City and County of Sacramento Animal Care and Control Centers will assure onsite pets are healthy and safe while their human counterparts receive the intensive rehousing services necessary to exit homelessness.
“We are excited to roll out yet another program to combat homelessness in Sacramento County,” says Ann Edwards, Director of the Department of Human Assistance. “Through our partnership with Next Move and Volunteers of America, families will be safely sheltered while they connect to the right services and support to return to their own homes.”
Paired with our individual care services, already in place at the Mather Community Campus – also run by Volunteers of America, we are well on our way to addressing the diverse needs of those experiencing homelessness in Sacramento County.
On-site computer services to register for shelter services and other resources are available at the following DHA locations from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.:
Central:
2700 Fulton Avenue Sacramento, CA 95821
North:
5747 Watt Avenue North Highlands, CA 95660
3960 Research Drive Sacramento, CA 95838
East:
10013 Folsom Blvd Rancho Cordova, CA 95827
South:
2450 Florin Road Sacramento, CA 95822
210 North Lincoln Way Galt, CA 95632
