New homeless housing program to prioritize individuals with severe mental health needs

The Board of Supervisors today approved final steps necessary for the implementation of the Department of Health Services Behavioral Health Bridge Housing program, which will significantly enhance the County’s ability to support individuals experiencing homelessness in their recovery journey while transitioning to permanent housing. The new program will be housed at the renovated Arrowood Drive facility in Santa Rosa and will open Feb. 3.

“This is an important move forward to address homelessness in Sonoma County, particularly among individuals with serious mental health issues who have been among the hardest to help,” said Supervisor Chris Coursey. “The County is committed to ensuring that this program effectively treats and then transitions that population into permanent housing.”

In 2022, the State Department of Health Care Services established and funded the Bridge Housing program to assist counties and tribal entities in addressing immediate housing and treatment needs of homeless individuals with serious behavioral health conditions, such as serious mental illness and/or substance abuse disorder. To facilitate the launch and operation of Sonoma County’s facility, the Board today authorized entering into an agreement for supportive services with the Felton Institute, a highly regarded social services provider that also manages the Crossroads to Hope program. The initial term contract extends through June 30, 2027, and allows for an amount not to exceed $5.03 million.

Bridge housing focuses on providing a safe, structured environment with an emphasis on temporary housing and treatment leading to long-term recovery and independent living. Bridge Housing at Arrowood is specifically designed to support individuals with complex behavioral health conditions to transition out of homelessness. Unlike traditional shelters, Bridge Housing at Arrowood will be an interim recovery facility that provides both a temporary housing environment and access to critical 24/7 medical and clinical support.

The CARE Court connection

Individuals participating in the CARE (Community Assistance, Recovery & Empowerment) Court program will be prioritized for treatment at Bridge Housing at Arrowood. CARE Court, which started Dec. 1, 2024, in Sonoma County, creates a new pathway for delivering services — such as substance use treatment, housing and support — to individuals with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. Among the goals of CARE Court are diverting individuals from more restrictive situations, such as hospitalizations, incarcerations and conservatorship; preserving self-determination to the greatest extent possible; and, ultimately, transitioning individuals into permanent housing.

“By prioritizing CARE Court clients, Bridge Housing at Arrowood will provide the structured support needed to help individuals regain stability and independence, and ensure that those with the most significant needs are served first,” said Behavioral Health division director Jan Cobaleda-Kegler. 

Virtually any community member who has a working knowledge of an individual and their condition, including family members, behavioral health professionals, first respondents, and more, may file a petition to have the person screened for CARE Court. For information on filing a petition and learning more about the CARE Court program, please visit: https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/carecourt.

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Media Contact:
Sheri Cardo
DHS Communications Specialist
sheri.cardo@sonoma-county.org
(707) 565-8619