Housing and Homelessness
The City of Fresno collaborates with service agencies dedicated to providing shelter, housing, and case management services to those in need. While the City of Fresno does not provide direct services, we have established a strong and growing partnership with local, state, and federal agencies. The City Manager’s Office oversees the coordination of funding, policy recommendations, and other efforts associated with homelessness.
The City of Fresno Development and Resource Management Department, Housing and Community Development Division utilizes entitlement funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to implement programs related to homelessness as follows:
- Emergency Solutions Grants – The City works with the Fresno County to jointly issue a Request for Proposals (RFP).
- HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program –In an effort to provide ‘housing-first’ opportunities for the unsheltered population, the City of Fresno recently approved $1 million in HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds to be directed to the Fresno Housing Authority for the formation of a local Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program.
- Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) – The City makes available CHDO funds for affordable housing projects which may include the creation of single room occupancy housing.
Local Services & Housing Options
Focused on the “housing first” model, several service agencies throughout Fresno and Madera counties remain dedicated to providing shelter and case management services to those in need. For a complete listing of current services available dial 2–1–1 or (866) 559-4211.
- County of Fresno – Department of Social Services – Homeless Services
- Fresno Madera County Continuum of Care: The Fresno Madera Continuum of Care is organized, meeting the requirements of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to provide a comprehensive coordinated homeless housing and services delivery system called a continuum of care. The Fresno Madera Continuum of Care assists homeless persons to make the critical transition from homelessness to independent or supportive permanent housing; accessing education, health and mental health services, employment training, and life skills development. We are dedicated to increasing community awareness of homeless people and their problems; and the development and implementation of strategies to create permanent solutions to homelessness in our community. The Continuum of Care includes approximately 20 agencies, including the Poverello House, WestCare, Turning Point and many others.
- Fresno Housing Authority: The Fresno Housing Authority works to create vibrant communities, build quality affordable housing, and support the success of approximately 50,000 residents throughout Fresno who either reside in Housing Authority-owned complexes or who receive Housing Choice Vouchers. The Fresno Housing Authority and its Fresno Madera Continuum of Care partners provide outreach at the Community Connect Events held at The Poverello House. This effort has recently been joined by County of Fresno Department of Social Services providing opportunities for homeless individuals and families to access Affordable Care Act (ACA) sign ups.
- The Poverello House, Village of Hope: Poverello House is a private, nonprofit, nondenominational organization that has been serving the hungry and homeless of our community since 1973. Programs and services include meals, rehabilitation, the homeless court, Holy Cross Clinic, Naomi’s House, and Village of Hope.
- The Fresno Rescue Mission: Prepares men and women to move forward in a positive way. Programs and services include meals, warming center, Fresno Medical Respite Center, The Academy, and Rescue the Children.
Charitable Contributions and Volunteer Opportunities: In response to the community’s generosity and volunteer interests, the coordination of volunteer and charitable efforts is essential to the safety of individuals providing and receiving charitable volunteer time, goods and services.
- The Poverello House has volunteered to coordinate many of these opportunities along with the services currently provided nearby their agency.
- Through HandsOn Central California, the Serve Fresno Initiative was designed to streamline volunteer efforts throughout the region and across many different service areas.
Coordination & Initiatives
In addition to coordination at the local level, Fresno has received technical assistance and in some cases, has been designated a high-priority city as part of initiatives aimed to preventing and ending homelessness. These opportunities for the community provide access to expertise throughout the country as well as best practices in policy and service delivery.