Bringing Families Home Program

The Bringing Families Home (BFH) Program was established in 2016 to reduce the number of families in the child welfare system experiencing, or at risk of homelessness, to increase family reunification and to prevent foster care placement.

BFH offers financial assistance and housing-related wraparound supportive services, including but not limited to: rental assistance, housing navigation, case management, security deposits, utility payments, moving costs, interim shelter assistance, legal services, and credit repair.

As of Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-22, there are 51 counties and one tribe operating a BFH program with each program tailored to meet the needs of the local community. More information about participating BFH grantees is available in CFL 21/22-99.

Eligibility

BFH targets families involved with the child welfare system who are experiencing, or at risk of, experiencing homelessness. For BFH, homelessness is defined in the Welfare and Institutions Code 16523. Among those who are eligible, programs should first prioritize child welfare-involved families who are literally homeless, followed by those who are at risk of imminently losing their housing. For more information and definitions, please review the All County Welfare Directors Letter (ACWDL) dated February 11, 2022.

How to Apply

The BFH program is administered locally. Contact the CDSS Housing and Homelessness Division to learn more.