Yolo County, CA – Bay Area Community Services (BACS) is excited to announce a major expansion to our new services in partnership with Yolo County, made possible through the approval of a $2.8 million subaward from the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). This funding, sourced from the Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program (HHIP) and Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Program (HHAP) Round 4, will be used to acquire and develop residential properties to serve individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“We are honored to expand our impact into Yolo County and bring much-needed housing stability to its residents,” said Jamie Almanza, CEO of BACS. “This investment will directly address the critical shortage of housing for those who are struggling and provide supportive services that can change lives.”

This, combined with our recent Connections to Care or C2C program, marks BACS’ first entry into Yolo County, adding to a decade of growth and partnerships across the Bay Area and beyond. In the last ten years, BACS has launched partnerships in five new counties, responding to the need for comprehensive, integrated behavioral health and housing solutions in local communities. With a proven track record of creating successful, sustainable programs, BACS is committed to addressing the complex challenges of homelessness and behavioral health with tailored support that meets the unique needs of each community.

The approved agreement will support the acquisition and development of properties that offer safe, permanent housing for a minimum of ten years. BACS will offer a comprehensive suite of services to help residents not just secure housing but maintain it successfully. These services include:

• Housing Support & Independent Living Skills: Matching individuals with homes and providing the skills needed to live independently.
• Case Management: Offering wraparound support, such as benefits advocacy, employment readiness, and crisis navigation.
• Substance Use Support & Behavioral Health Referrals: Connecting residents with resources to support their journey to wellness.

This expansion aligns with BACS’ commitment to its mission of doing “whatever it takes” to uplift individuals and families while providing them with pathways to sustainable housing and independence. In 2023 alone, BACS helped 2,820 households remain housed and supported over 3,100 individuals with behavioral health crisis services.

“Stable housing is foundational to a thriving community,” Almanza added. “By expanding our footprint in Yolo County, we are taking a significant step towards ending the cycle of homelessness and building a more equitable future for all.”

With over 300 housing units already owned and operated across the Bay Area, BACS has proven expertise in transforming properties into safe, affordable homes that residents can rely on long-term. The newly acquired properties in Yolo County will add to this growing inventory and offer new opportunities for community members in need.

“Yolo County is so excited to partner with such an innovative and collaborative group like Bay Area Community Services. We are very excited to launch our initial pilot to house dozens of those in need in our community. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship that will produce serious results for the housing insecure in our region.” Said Nolan Sullivan, Yolo County HHSA Director.

For more information on this initiative and other BACS programs, please contact Nora Daly, Development Director at ndaly@bayareacs.org.

About Bay Area Community Services

Bay Area Community Services (BACS) breaks the mental health, housing, and community barriers that hold people back. BACS’ mission is to uplift individuals, families, and communities by doing “whatever it takes.” BACS helps people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, or behavioral health challenges, while balancing other complications like health needs, substance use, generational trauma, incarceration, poverty, and more. Since its founding in 1953, BACS has steadily grown throughout Northern and Central California, integrating more than seven decades of behavioral health expertise with our Housing First philosophy to meet the rising needs of communities. To learn more, go to www.bayareacs.org

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