Sacramento offers several housing programs designed specifically to support young homeless families, combining emergency shelter, transitional housing, and long-term stability services. These programs focus on providing families with a safe place to stay and helping them transition into permanent housing.
Know more about housing programs for the homeless in Sacramento below.
Tip: For immediate assistance, you can call 2-1-1 (or 916-498-1000) and then press 8. You can be connected to the Coordinated Access System (CAS), which expedites referrals to emergency shelters, motel vouchers, and long-term housing programs.
Emergency Housing Program in Sacramento
These programs provide immediate shelter or short-term stays for families and transitional-age youth:
Emergency Shelter Vouchers (ESV)
The Emergency Shelter Voucher (ESV) program for Families in Sacramento is a motel-based initiative designed to rapidly house homeless families with minor children. In March 2026, the City of Sacramento announced a restructuring of this program to replace the previous “City Motel Program”; full launch is expected in June 2026.
Program Overview
The ESV program aims to provide immediate stability to approximately 200 families at a time.
Duration: Families receive an initial motel voucher valid for 28 days.
Renewals: Vouchers may be renewed up to five times, allowing for a total stay of six months, provided the family actively participates in a rehousing plan.
Placement Goal: The program’s goal is to place eligible families in a motel within 24 hours of identifying their need.
Voucher Cost: Vouchers are valued at approximately $55 per night.
How to Access Vouchers
Referrals for the ESV program are managed through the Coordinated Access System (CAS). To begin the process:
Call 2-1-1 Sacramento: Dial 2-1-1 (or 916-498-1000) and press 8.
Complete a Shelter Assessment: A specialist will conduct a triage assessment to determine your level of need and urgency.
Inclusion on the Waitlist: Once evaluated, you are automatically added to the waitlist for all participating shelters and voucher programs within the CAS network.
Stay Active: You must complete your shelter assessment again every 90 days to remain active on the waitlist.
Eligibility Requirements
Family Status: You must be an unsheltered family (living outdoors) with at least one minor child.
Participation: For voucher renewals, you must work with a contracted service provider on a Rapid Rehousing and Stabilization Plan.
Note: The Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) does not directly provide immediate hotel vouchers; all emergency housing must be requested through the 2-1-1 assessment process.
Next Move Family Shelter
The Next Move Family Shelter in Sacramento offers short-term emergency housing and intensive support services for homeless families with minor children. It is one of the few shelters in the county that allows families to stay together, accepting two-parent families, single fathers, and mothers with sons over the age of 14.
Shelter Overview
Capacity: The 55-bed facility can accommodate approximately 13 families at a time.
Length of Stay: Families may stay for up to 30 days.
Facilities: Next Move is the only shelter in Sacramento that offers private family rooms, ensuring the safety and dignity of its residents.
Services Offered
While staying at the shelter, families receive comprehensive (“wrap-around”) support designed to guide them toward permanent housing:
Services for Children: Specialized programs for children, including academic support, a playroom, and an on-site SETA Head Start program.
Support Services: Case management, life skills training, success planning, and alcohol and drug recovery support.
Basic Needs: Three nutritious meals per day, laundry services, transportation assistance, and access to the Hope Clinic for health services.
Housing Relocation Assistance: Help with housing placement and a “Fast Track to Housing” program that offers follow-up case management for one year after moving out.
How to Apply for Admission
Admission to the Next Move Family Shelter is handled strictly through the Coordinated Access System (CAS); walk-ins are not accepted.
Call 2-1-1 Sacramento: Dial 2-1-1 (or 1-844-546-1464) and press 8.
Assessment: A specialist will conduct a triage assessment to determine your level of vulnerability.
Waitlist: Once assessed, your family will be automatically placed on the waitlist for Next Move and other participating shelters.
Address: 2925 34th St, Sacramento, CA 95817 (Oak Park neighborhood).
Phone: (916) 455-2160 (for information and eligibility inquiries).
Volunteers of America (VOA) Family Shelter
Volunteers of America (VOA) Northern California & Northern Nevada manages several programs for homeless families in Sacramento, focusing on both emergency shelter and long-term stabilization.
Family Housing Programs
Family Residential Shelter: Provides immediate safety, temporary housing, and meals to single parents or couples with young children. It offers case management, transportation for children to and from school, and referrals to permanent housing.
The long-standing family shelter, located at 470 Bannon Street, was scheduled to close at the end of 2024 due to structural issues within the building; families are referred through the Coordinated Access System (2-1-1) to access currently available housing options.
Transitional Housing for Families: A longer-term program (12 to 18 months), managed in collaboration with Sacramento County, designed for families recovering from substance use disorders.
Options Transitional Living (OTL): Specifically targeted at pregnant women or women with children (aged 12 or under) who are in the process of family reunification.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): Specialized housing assistance and case management for very low-income veteran families.
For general program information, please call the VOA-NCNN Main Office at 916-265-3400.
The Grove (Emergency Bridge Housing)
The Grove (Emergency Bridge Housing) is a city-funded tiny-cabin community located in North Sacramento, specifically designed for Transition-Age Youth (TAY)—ages 18 to 24—who are experiencing homelessness.
The Grove is managed by First Step Communities and currently offers:
Capacity: 50 individual sleeping cabins, equipped with heating, air conditioning, and personal storage space.
Services: Residents receive comprehensive support, including daily meals, case management, job training, and on-site mental health services.
Goal: The program serves as a “bridge” to stabilize young adults and facilitate their transition into permanent, stable housing within a structured environment.
Community Support: The ongoing “Adopt a Cabin 2026” campaign helps fund site maintenance and facility improvements—such as HVAC repairs and cabin renovations—that are not covered by government funding.
Entry into the program is strictly conducted through the Coordinated Access System (CAS).
Call 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 (or 916-498-1000) and press 8 to request a youth-specific housing assessment.
TAY Access Point: You may also visit Wind Youth Services, located at 815 S Street, Sacramento, to receive an in-person assessment and referral.
Housing Programs for Young Families & Youth
Programs custom-designed for young parents and Transitional Age Youth (TAY) focus on both housing and long-term self-sufficiency:
Vista Nueva Apartments
A permanent supportive housing community located in North Natomas, specifically intended for families who have experienced homelessness and for Transitional Age Youth (ages 18–25). It includes on-site after-school programs and life skills education.
LSS Connections Program
Offers subsidized apartments and up to 24 months of case management for youth who have experienced homelessness (ages 18–24), with the aim of preventing them from becoming homeless again.
La Verne Adolfo Housing Program
Operated by Next Move Sacramento, this program offers housing for a period of up to 3 years for youth who have aged out of the foster care system, ranging in age from 18 to 25.
Saint John’s Program for Real Change
A residential program lasting between 12 and 18 months, designed for women and their children, which provides housing, childcare, and job training.
Financial & Long-Term Assistance Programs
CalWORKs Homeless Assistance: Eligible families may receive payments for temporary housing (up to 16 days) or assistance with permanent housing costs, such as security deposits and last month’s rent.
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8): Administered by the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA), this program offers long-term rental assistance. Homeless families often receive preference points on the waiting list.
Francis House Center: Offers “Diversion” assistance to help low-income families pay their first month’s rent and avoid eviction.
How to Get Started
Call 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 and press 8 for a shelter needs assessment.
Visit the Wind Youth Center: If you are a young adult (up to age 24) in crisis, you can visit the Wind Youth Drop-In Center at 815 S Street (8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) to access immediate resources.
Apply for CalWORKs: Contact the Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance at 916-874-3100 to verify your eligibility for public assistance and homeless subsidies.
