Sacramento Steps Forward
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Organization's mission is to ensure that individuals and families experiencing homelessness or the risk of homelessness are able to access housing services and resources on their path to economic stability. The Organization is the lead agency for the Sacramento Homeless Continuum of Care and administers and oversees grants for homeless related programs in Sacramento County which are received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are passed through to various non-profit organizations as sub-grants. The Continuum of Care Program is designed by HUD to promote community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness. Since becoming the lead agency in the Continuum of Care in 2011, the annual level of grant funding provided to the Sacramento community by HUD has increased by five million dollars. This funding supports twenty-two permanent supportive housing programs and retains housing and supportive services for people who were previously homeless.
- Income
- $24.3 million
- Spending
- $30.2 million
- Spent on programs
- 94%
- Reserves
- 0.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 91%
- Employees
- 67
- Volunteers
- 613
- Highest pay
- $222,227, ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 35 out of 100. Higher than 6% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
4 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 0.7 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 22% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 24% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15Income fell 36% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1594% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 35% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2512 of 12 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (6)
- $24.4 million spent. Facilitate Access to Shelter, Housing & ServicesINCREASED THE CAPACITY OF THE COORDINATED ACCESS SYSTEM:The Coordinated Access System (CAS) was launched through a partnership among Sacramento Steps Forward, 2-1-1, the City of Sacramento, and Sacramento 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 the past year, Sacramento Steps Forward continued to enhance the Coordinated Access System (CAS) to serve our community. This single point of entry provides a valuable front door for those in need, whether it is to find shelter for a night or more, to avoid eviction, to access mental health support, or any number of services. IMPACT: 73,890 households connected to supportive resources. 840 households prevented from entering homelessness. 2,734 individuals enrolled in shelter. 1,518 individuals transitioned into housing.Supported a Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project:In late 2022, the Sacramento Continuum of Care (CoC) was chosen to participate in HUDs Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP). This initiative brought crucial funding 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. In 2024, SSF continued to support the activities of the Youth Action Board (YAB), a youth lead decision-making body who coordinates the functions of YHDP. SSF and the YAB collectively drafted the Coordinated Community Plan and reached out to youth providers for feedback and support.
- $3.2 million spent. Increase Capacity & KnowledgeFacilitated the Sacramento Homeless Policy Council:The Sacramento Homeless Policy Council (SHPC) was established to foster regional collaboration among leaders to combat homelessness. The SHPC brings together elected officials from across Sacramento County and representatives from Sacramentos Continuum of Care community. Sacramento Steps Forward facilitates quarterly meetings of the group to foster discussion and partnership on strategic and practical responses to homelessness in our region. The SHPC serves to accelerate knowledge sharing and best practices and to provide a forum for the public to observe the efforts and impacts of providers and partners involved in the homelessness response system. Towards the end of 2024, members of the SHPC, SSF, the county, and surrounding cities identified a need for better integration between the SHPC and the CoC. SSF coordinated with the County to procure a consultant to recommend a revised countywide governance structure for resolving homelessness and simultaneously placed the SHPC on hold.Implemented Provider and Partner Trainings:Increasing the capacity of homelessness service providers within Sacramentos Continuum of Care (CoC) network is a primary objective of our work. In addition to ensuring that our frontline organizations receive training to keep them current and compliant, we also address relevant issues within the community including response to natural disasters and public health emergencies. Trainings focus on program best practices in housing or homelessness-related, policy developments, adjacent issues such as behavioral health or domestic violence, and mainstream resources to, for instance, ensure quality client service. Housing Problem Solving trainings exemplify our commitment to continuous quality improvement. We refine each training session based on feedback from the previous one. These quarterly sessions also empower Partners with Lived Expertise to teach providers effective ways to converse with clients, enhancing the overall impact of our work.ADVANCED SOLUTIONS TO END FAMILY HOMELESSNESS:The Housing Families First Collaborative is a strategic initiative funded by the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund and the California Interagency Council on Homelessness to address family homelessness in the region. This collaborative effort, guided by the proven Built for Zero model, focuses on identifying, assisting, and monitoring families facing homelessness by implementing systems-level changes, enhancing service and housing access, and prioritizing racial equity. In partnership with the Black Child Legacy Campaign and as part of a county-wide initiative to prevent child deaths, the collaborative is enhancing targeted services and support for the Black and African American community. The Housing Families First Collaborative aims to ensure that every family in Sacramento has a safe, stable place to call home. The Collaborative is comprised of members who represent a cross-section of service providers, agencies, and others. Together they are problem-solving around policies, funding, and services to improve alignment, coordination, and impact. IMPACT: Hired a program director to manage the Collaborative. Prepared to launch a $4.5 million pilot program that will serve at least 150 families by November 2026. Developed a strategic plan and pilot program goals, guidelines, and benchmarks.Partnered on a Homeless & Health Systems Pilot:Collaboration with health systems is essential for an effective homelessness response system. In 2020, Sacramento Steps Forward entered into a partnership with the four regional systems in the county: UC Davis, CommonSpirit Health (formerly Dignity Health), Kaiser Permanente, and Sutter Health. A pilot program titled Healthcare and Homelessness, supported by the national group Community Solutions, provided the opportunity for us to explore common interests and innovative solutions. A primary goal was to develop collaborative cross-sector relationships that would contribute to reductions in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Sacramento County. Collectively, we gained a greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities the community faces in housing persons and families and helped develop shared strategies to address these challenges. Three programs evolved from the pilot, including a CalAIM and Community Supports program to provide resources for recuperative care, housing navigation, and tenant support, an emergency department navigator program, and the development of a private funders collaborative.COORDINATED YOUTH PARTICIPATION AND PROGRAMS:Sacramento Steps Forward supports the work of the regions Youth Action Board (YAB) for young people ages 18-24, many of whom have lived expertise of homelessness. The YAB plays a central role in shaping the local Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) and is advancing strategies to address youth homelessness. IMPACT: YHDP-funded programs included College Initiative and Street Leaders Program. Supportive housing programs helped 38 youth transition to stability through personalized case managemnt. Initial work on a mobile phone app that will connect youth with housing services, crisis support, and other community resources.BUILT CONNECTION WITH AND CAPACITY OF FRONTLINE STAFF:Since July 2023, Sacramento Steps Forward has hosted monthly gatherings to connect, share, and support case managers, housing specialists, and outreach workers through the Frontline Learning Collaborative. These meetings offer a space to build connection and capacity in a field that is demanding in many ways. IMPACT: Network of more than 700 frontline staff. Enables sharing of resources to enhance problem-solving across agencies. Provides support for emotional and professional well-being of frontline workers.
- $702,964 spent. Lead Community-wide Planning & Engagement COORDINATED A REGIONAL PLAN TO RESOLVE HOMELESSNESS:The Sacramento Local Homeless Action Plan (LHAP) was laaunched in 2022. Sacramento Steps Forward spearheaded this initiative in collaboration with the Sacramento City and County Continuum of Care, Sacramento County, City of Sacramento, and Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency. The plan fostered a unified, cross-jurisdictional approach to tackling homelessness throughout Sacramento County. Together, we convened a diverse group of community leaders and stakeholders representing various interests to develop an actionable, relatable plan that serves as a roadmap for future funding and initiatives. In early 2024, Sacramento Steps Forward coordinated a series of public conversations and sector-specific meetings to prepare for Sacramentos fifth application to Californias Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) grant program. IMPACT: The All In Regionally Coordinated Action Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. Framework for implementing 8 core solutions among regional partners. $53.2 million in state HHAP-5 funding.MANAGED THE WORK OF THE CONTINUUM OF CARE:In serving as the Continuum of Care (CoC) agency for Sacramento, we coordinate and support all aspects of this Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) responsibility. Launched in 2012, the CoC Program is designed to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness and provide the services needed to help such individuals move into transitional and permanent housing, with the goal of long-term stability.As the lead agency for the Continuum of Care (CoC), Sacramento Steps Forward brings together system partners, aligns strategies, and manages the federal funding that supports our regions homelessness response. The CoC Board includes more than 20 volunteer community leaders and ten standing committees. Addtionally, in this role, we serve as the Collaborative Funding Applicant for federal and state funds, lead agency for the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), and operator of the Coordinated Access System. IMPACT: $40.5 million in FY24 funding for 36 different projects in the community. Annual meeting that brought together more than 150 community members to identify shared priorities for the year ahead. Monthly public meetings that coordinate diverse voices to planning for homelessness response. IDENTIFIED SYSTEM NEEDS THROUGH A GAPS ANALYSIS:In 2024, Sacramento Steps Forward conducted a gaps analysis on behalf of regional partners to better understand what it would take to fully meet the communitys capacity to prevent and resolve homelessness. This assessment is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to receive federal funding. IMPACT: The model shows that our region could eliminate unsheltered homelessness within five years and reduce overall homelessness by 53% within ten years if there was immediate expansion of prevention, diversion, and rehousing services, combined with a long-term commitment to increasing affordable housing.
- Collect, Process & Share DataLAUNCHED NEW TOOLS AND IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE HOMELESSNESS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM:As the lead agency for the Continuum of Cares Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS), Sacramento Steps Forward continued to strengthen the quality, accessibility, and transparency of data. HMIS is a foundational tool (mandated for Continuum of Care agencies to receive federal funding) for the homelessness response system. The integrity of the information that is logged correlates to the capacity of our system to be responsive and plan for community services. The HMIS also facilitates collaboration among community agencies which enables service coordination, trend identification, and system improvements. IMPACT: Fulfilled all federal reporting requirements, including the Longitudinal Systems Analysis (LSA), Point-in-Time Count (PIT), Housing Inventory Count (HIC), and System Performance Measures (SPM). Provided ongoing technical support to approximately 1,200 service provider staff serving more than 100 organizations. ORGANIZED THE BIANNUAL POINT-IN-TIME COUNT AND ANALYSIS:In early 2024, Sacramento Steps Forward led the regions biannual unsheltered Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. The count is a federally required assessment of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness and a critical tool for guiding policy, aligning strategies, and securing funding. IMPACT: Rallied hundreds of community volunteers, service providers, and partner organizations. Sparked media coverage and public education on homelessness. Provided point-in-time data showing a reduction of 29% in unsheltered homelessness.IMPLEMENTED A NEW ASSESSMENT TO IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING OF CLIENT VULNERABILITY:In 2024, the Continuum of Care (CoC) approved the Housing Conversation Tool (HCT) as the new, standardized Housing assessment for all programs managed through the Coordinated Access System (CAS). Frontline outreach staff began using the evaluation in October 2024. IMPACT: A means to understand vulnerability and social, health, and behavioral needs. A framework to build Individualized Service Plans (ISP). Implemented in tandem with a three-part training series for staff.
- Improve Equity, Fairness, Efficiency & EffectivenessConvened the Partners with Lived Experience Committee:The Partners with Lived Experience Committee (PWLEC) advises the Sacramento Continuum of Care (CoC) by sharing personal insights to improve how the system serves people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Members act as a voice for the unhoused community, helping to identify barriers, gaps, and opportunities across all system efforts. The PWLEC has been instrumental in designing and proposing solutions to the challenges identified via various committees, projects, work groups, and other system efforts. In 2024, PWLEC members led quarterly Housing Problem Solving trainings for providers, participated in the NOFO review and rank process, and contributed to the development of the Housing Conversation Tool.Established Community-Wide Standards:Sacramento Continuum of Care, and the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency established 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. In 2024, Community Standards were incorporated into City, County, and CoC funding contracts. SSF hosted orientations to help providers understand and apply the standards in their program operations, and also gained provider feedback that helped inform the methodology for tracking performance outcomes. SSF will continue to collaborate with system partners to review and update the standards and will publish regular Community Standards Key Performance Indicator Reports to share progress and promote accountability.Facilitated Homeless & Healthcare Integration through CalAIM:The Housing and Homeless Incentive Program (HHIP) has been a tremendous lever for relationship building and engagement with our MCP partners, Sacramento County, and CalAIM providers. SSF is not a direct provider of CalAIM services but plays a critical role in helping our CoC understand CalAIM services, building local capacity of CalAIM services for people experiencing homelessness, and integrating these services and supports into local homeless response via the Coordinated Access System. In 2024, SSF hosted a CalAIM Housing Workgroup series in partnership with Transform Health focused on building provider and client resource guides for CalAIM Community Support services. SSF also partnered with MCPs to increase HMIS access among CalAIM providers and bring in CalAIM providers for CAS referrals.IMPLEMENTED A ROBUST FRAMEWORK TO SUPPORT VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS:Case conferencing focuses on a particular set of vulnerable clients who have long histories of homelessness. Facilitated by our team at Sacramento Steps Forward, case conferencinggroups challenge both individual and systemic barriers, while also encouraging providers to show up with creativity and accountability. IMPACT:Supported 560 households. 253 households transitioned into housing of some type. 107 households were connected to ongoing mental health programs and primary care providers.
- Manage Funding & ComplianceSECURED $40.5M IN FEDERAL CONTINUUM OF CARE FUNDING:In our role as the lead agency for the Sacramento Continuum of Care (CoC), we play a crucial role in overseeing the federal funding process, from initial application to ongoing monitoring, compliance, and reporting. We lead an extensive public process within the CoC to identify eligible housing activities and projects for funding. Once selections are made, our team collaborates closely with chosen agencies and projects to ensure strict adherence to funding regulations, providing guidance on proper fund use and helping to report on these investments outcomes. Our objective is to fulfill our HUD-mandated responsibilities while ensuring that projects are executed with maximum efficiency and impact. Sacramento Steps Forward, as the lead agency for the regions Continuum of Care, manages the extensive application process, sub-recipient contracting process, program monitoring, and reporting for annual federal funding. In 2024, the Sacramento CoC was awarded $40,485,239 by HUD, an increase of approximately $7 million from FY 2023. IMPACT: 2,281 Permanent Supportive Housing beds (1,427 dedicated units); 133 Rapid Re-Housing beds (84 dedicated units); 136 Transitional HousingRapid Re-Housing beds (78 dedicated units); Infrastructure support for the HMIS, coordinated entry services, and planning grant activities.PARTNERED TO SECURE THE $53.2M AWARD OF STATE HHAP FUNDING:Our role as the CoC lead agency also places SSF at the forefront of funding management for state and local awards and contracts. The Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) series of funding opportunities through the State of California has provided the funds for many of the system improvement in the accomplishments listed earlier. Our committed staff ensures that these funds are utilized effectively, with integrity, and to achieve maximum impact. In early 2024, Sacramento Steps Forward partnered with the City of Sacramento, Sacramento County, and the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency on our regions fifth consecutive application for Californias Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Program (HHAP) grant funding. IMPACT: $53.2 million for Sacramentos homelessness response systm. Approximately 75% directed to clients through community-based service providers. Approximately 25% for critical functions like staffing, coordination, and evaluation.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since May 2011.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.