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1. When did the Navigator Program launch in Citrus Heights and how did it become what it is today?

1) The program started as a part-time program in the fiscal year of 2015/2016

2) The program became a full-time program in the fiscal year of 2016/2017

3) The program is such a great success today because of all the hard work, passion, and dedication to helping those in need. We could not do what we do without many partnerships, including city staff, Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART), and several faith based organizations to name just a few

2. Who pays for the Navigator, and what is the relationship of the City of Citrus Heights, Sac-Help Housing and the CH HART, when it comes to the program?

1) Sac Self-Help Housing is a recipient sub-contractor

2) We have a strong relationship with CH HART.  They are our partner when it comes to working with homeless challenges in our community.  Members of HART put in countless hours providing services and help to those in need. We help them in any way we can and actively participate in their board meetings to discuss current events, goals, and challenges

3) The program is funded through a combination of the general fund and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

3. How much does the Navigator Program cost the City of Citrus Heights?

Approximately $51,000, which is a mix of general fund and CDBG.

4. What does the Navigator do and is this a full-time position?

Yes, this is a full-time position. The Navigator assists people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The Navigator goes out to encampments to locate people, along with holding walk-in hours.  HART and CHPD are resources assisting the Navigator in getting in contact with clients.  After the first intake, the Navigator evaluates how to assist the client.  Sometimes this includes things such as ID vouchers, assistance with assessing mainstream benefits, bus passes, job assistance, Medicare/Medi-Cal applications, and referrals for individuals with substance use disorder. Other times the Navigator gives the client referrals for room rentals, apartment rentals, shared living situations and more.

5. What kind of services and programs does the Navigator connect homeless with?

Some of the programs and services the Navigator connects the homeless to are things such as ID vouchers, bus passes, job assistance, Medicare/Medi-Cal applications, programs through Mather, DHA, and permanent or transitional supportive housing.

6. How does the Navigator locate/contact homeless people?

The Navigator goes out into the community and finds homeless individuals and makes direct contact.  The CHPD also hands out her business card with every homeless individual contacted.  

Walk-in hours are temporarily suspended due to COVID-19:

Wednesday ONLY from 10 AM - 1 PM.  

Sacramento Works, 7011 Sylvan Road, Citrus Heights, CA 95610. 

You can also contact the Navigator:

Office (916) 727-5563

Cell (916) 533-3069

navigator@citrusheights.net

7. How many homeless are now in permanent housing due to help from the Navigator?

In 2018, there was 136 homeless or at risk of homeless individuals housed due to the assistance of the Navigator.  In addition, 53 individuals were able to receive ID's and 32 people were referred to the lawyer for assistance such things as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 

Of the people helped in 2018, 47% of them had a disability of some sort and 15% had a diagnosed mental disability.

8. What are some barriers the Navigator faces in trying to help the homeless?

Some of the barriers that the Navigator faces in regards to helping the homeless are things such as lack of affordable housing, need for increased access to mental health and social services in their community, and accessibility to employment.

9. How do you respond to homeless who say the Navigator Program isn't helping get homeless into housing?

This program doesn't create housing but is limited to the available units that clients can afford.  There is a lack of affordable housing, and many participants are between extremely-low and moderate income, which commonly disqualifies them from market-rate housing options.  Participants have the self-determination to engage in the services or not.  When clients decide not to use the benefits, we continue to offer them until they are ready.  The Navigator is here to assist in all aspects and to hand out tools for anyone prepared to accept them.  Our goal is to increase homeless assistance and to listen to individual concerns regarding their experiences of these services.