The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) released the
Bringing Families Home (BFH) Program application criteria on
September 5, 2019. BFH was established through Assembly Bill 1603
(Chapter 25, Statutes 2016), designed to provide housing related
assistance to child-welfare involved families, but funding was
set to expire June 30, 2019.
In anticipation of this end of funding, CSAC co-sponsored a
request for $25 million State General Fund investment, with
the County Welfare Directors Association of California (CWDA),
Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), and Housing California.
As a result, Senate Bill 80 (Chapter 27, Statutes 2019) will
provide an opportunity for existing BFH programs to continue and
new BFH programs to begin.
The eligible child-welfare involved families are those
experiencing homelessness or at immediate risk of becoming
homeless. Counties who apply for this funding are required to
match the state BFH Program funding dollar-for-dollar over the
award period. Counties are encouraged to collaborate with
tribal partners and will receive prioritization if applications
are submitted jointly.
Action Required
Counties must submit an application package to housing@dss.ca.gov by 5:00 p.m.
on Thursday, October 31, 2019. Applications will
be reviewed in a competitive process. The full application
details can be found here.
Applicants must coordinate with their local homeless response
systems such as, the Continuum of Care (CoC) and Coordinated
Entry (CE) System. The allocations are expected to be announced
in the winter of 2019.
Please note: CDSS Housing and Homelessness Bureau will host an
informational call for counties and tribes interested in the BFH
program. Please email housing@dss.ca.gov or call (916)
651-5155 for the call details or any additional questions.
