Napa, CA – In Sonoma County, a single unexpected expense—such as an injury, a medical bill, or a missed paycheck—can push struggling families to the brink of homelessness. For many, the Homeless Prevention Program provides a lifeline, stepping in before that crisis occurs by offering short-term financial assistance to help families stay in their homes.

A Collaborative, Community-Driven Effort

The program, known as Keep People Housed, is spearheaded by the Committee on the Shelterless (COTS) and brings together several local nonprofits, including the Community Support Network (CSN), Reach for Home, Home First, and West County Community Services (WCCS). Each of these organizations serves different regions of the county, ensuring that support is available to families wherever they live.

“We’re putting community resources to work where they have the biggest impact,” said Dannielle Danforth, director of housing and homeless services at West County Community Services (WCCS). “Every dollar we spend can mean the difference between a family staying in their home or being forced into a shelter.”

Immediate Relief for Families in Crisis

The Homeless Prevention Program provides families with an average of $6,000 to cover overdue rent, utilities, or other urgent expenses, preventing temporary hardships from escalating into long-term crises. This targeted financial assistance can make all the difference for a family at risk of losing their home.

Danforth shared the story of a single-parent family that came close to eviction after missing work due to an injury. Though the parent was ready to return to work, the months of lost income left them too far behind on rent. Thanks to the Homeless Prevention Program, the family received the support they needed to remain in their home.

“Without this program, they would have lost everything,” Danforth said. “This kind of intervention is what prevents families from becoming homeless.”

Targeting Help Where It’s Needed Most

As demand for the program has increased, the team behind it has implemented an evidence-based scoring system to prioritize families in the greatest need. Initially, households with a score of 10 or higher qualified for assistance, but as the number of requests grew, the threshold was raised to 12 to ensure resources were directed to those most at risk.

“It’s not about judging anyone’s situation,” Danforth emphasized. “It’s about making sure we help the families who need it the most.”

Securing Critical Funding and Partnerships

The Homeless Prevention Program has garnered significant support, including $3.8 million in funding from the County of Sonoma, the cities of Santa Rosa and Petaluma, and a private foundation that provided matching funds. This financial backing is essential for the program’s continued success and its ability to reach more families in need.

Mary Kate Johnson, director of regional homelessness prevention at All Home, played a pivotal role in securing this funding and connecting the county with Bay Area Community Services (BACS), a nonprofit with a proven track record in running similar programs.

“Mary Kate has been a mentor to us,” Danforth noted. “Her team helped us access critical funding and refine our system so we can assist more families.”

BACS continues to provide ongoing support, offering expertise to help improve the program and ensure its long-term effectiveness. According to Danforth, their assistance has been invaluable.

“Having their experience has made a huge difference,” she said.

Looking Toward a Sustainable Future

Currently, the program is funded for two years, with plans to secure additional private and local funding to ensure its future. The goal is to demonstrate the program’s impact and build on its success, ultimately securing enough resources to continue beyond the initial phase.

“The success we’re seeing now is just the beginning,” Danforth said. “If we can show how effective this program is, we can expand it and help even more families.”

In addition to supporting tenants, the program also benefits landlords. Many landlords are willing to work with tenants who fall behind on rent, but without a solution, they often have no choice but to proceed with eviction. The Homeless Prevention Program offers a way for landlords to collaborate with tenants in crisis, keeping families housed and preventing the long-term costs associated with homelessness.

As demand for housing support grows, Sonoma County’s Homeless Prevention Program has become a vital resource, offering hope and stability for families who might otherwise face homelessness. The collaborative, community-driven approach and evidence-based prioritization ensure that this program can make the biggest impact where it’s needed most.