The purpose of SSHH's Homeless Outreach Navigation Services is to provide essential services to homeless individuals in Sacramento County. SSHH has been providing Homeless Outreach Navigation Services since 2018 when they first contracted with the Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance. Currently, Homeless Outreach Navigation Services are funded by the County of Sacramento and other areas in the region. In total SSHH employs 10 Homeless Outreach Navigators.
SSHH Homeless Outreach Navigators strive to engage with individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, engagement in the community, wherever they are, including places not meant for habitation such as homeless encampments or shelters. Participants are located through street outreach referrals from law enforcement, 2-1-1, Code Enforcement, the HARTs, Food Banks, churches, school district representatives, local businesses, and other community members.
Homeless Outreach Navigators complete barriers assessment intake, Homeless Management System (HMIS profiles, and Vulnerability Index Service Prioritization Data Assessment Tool (VI-SPDAT) assessments for each participant to ensure connection to all available resources such as Rapid Rehousing, SSVF, and housing options through Coordinated Entry. They also get the participant's document ready, which includes obtaining valid California Identification, Social Security Cards, Homeless Certification, 3rd party verification of homelessness, proof of income, and disability certification. Obtaining the needed documentation is often challenging for the population we serve, navigators work with participants every step of the way to advocate service connection and support them with managing their resources and lives.