Sacramento Steps Forward

“An independent certified public accounting firm prepares the form 990. Initial drafts are reviewed by the organization's cfo and controller. The final draft is presented for review, comment, and approval to the board of directors at their annual board meeting.”

“All staff are subject to a conflict of interest policy incorporated into the personnel plan. Adherence to and monitoring of the policy is the responsibility of each employee, their supervisor, and the human resources department. In addition, all officers, board of director members, and senior staff are subject to an additional "conflict of interest and conflict of loyalty policy". This additional policy requires annual reporting by each person and periodic reviews by internal or external parties.”

“Salaries are reviewed and approved by the board annually as part of the budgeting process.”

“Salaries are reviewed and approved by the board annually as part of the budgeting process.”

“Governing documents, policies and financial statements are made available upon request.”

“OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 4: Facilitate Access to Shelter, Housing & Services1. Implemented a Coordinated Access SystemIn late 2022, the Coordinated Access System (CAS) was launched through a partnership among Sacramento Steps Forward, 2-1-1, the City of Sacramento, and Sacramnto County. This initiative aimed to create a streamlined and accessible support system for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The CAS has been instrumental in connecting service providers and partners, fostering efficiency and a person-centered approach. Aside from facilitating quick access to emergency services, the initiative also prioritized preventing homelessness proactively. In its inaugural year (ending in December 2023), the prevention program assisted 805 households in obtaining or retaining housing, with an average investment of $3,114 per household. Remarkably, 85% of these households remained housed after one year, showcasing the effectiveness of the prevention efforts.2. Supported a Youth Homelessness Demonstration ProjectIn late 2022, the Sacramento Continuum of Care (CoC) was chosen to participate in HUDs Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP). This initiative brought a $6,509,295 award to the Sacramento region, providing crucial funding and technical assistance to craft and execute a unified community strategy to prevent and end youth homelessness. Central to the success of the YHDP is the active engagement and leadership of youth throughout the planning and implementation phases of the program. Under this initiative, a Coordinated Community Plan was developed, and funds have supported many housing programs including rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and host homes. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 5: Improve Equity, Fairness, Efficiency & Effectiveness1. Convened the Partners with Lived Experience CommitteeThe Partners with Lived Expertise Committee (PWLEC) originated from the 2022 Racial Equity Plan and comprises individuals who have directly experienced homelessness, representing diverse racial backgrounds and facing multiple intersecting barriers to housing. Serving as a vital bridge between the homelessness response system and those experiencing homelessness, the PWLEC focuses on fostering relationships and driving transformative, equitable change. This committee acknowledges and addresses the profound impact and inherent trauma associated with factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and others that can contribute to homelessness. As such, the PWLEC plays a crucial role in advising policies and practices for our community, with members deeply committed to instigating both personal and systemic-level change.2. Established Community-Wide StandardsSacramento Continuum of Care, and the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency to establish community-wide standards for publicly funded programs addressing homelessness in Sacramento. These standards, published in December 2023, were developed through collaborative efforts shaped by community feedback and adopted by the Sacramento Continuum of Care following a vote among diverse board members. Serving as a guiding framework, they strengthen the foundation for homelessness prevention and assistance programs, and advance our collective mission to ensure consistency, equity, and quality of services in our community.3. Facilitated Homeless & Healthcare Integration through CalAIMCalAIM, the California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal, catalyzed a shift in homelessness and healthcare, prioritizing equitable, coordinated, and person-centered care. Through the Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program, Sacramento Steps Forward initiated the integration of CalAIM Enhanced Care Management and Community Support services into our local homeless response system. In 2023, we initiated monthly workgroups and workshops, convening stakeholders to streamline coordination and enhance service delivery, addressing challenges and aligning resources to”