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Sacramento Women and Children in Crisis Receive Housing Assistance Thanks to $40,000 Grant from Health Net to Saint John’s Program for Real Change

Date: 02/04/25

Sacramento, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2025) – Health Net, one of California's most experienced Medi-Cal managed care health plans and a company of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), announced a $40,000 grant to Saint John's Program for Real Change (Saint John's) to support housing assistance-related initiatives for Sacramento women and children in crisis.

"By collaborating with local organizations in the communities we serve, we have the power to drive meaningful and lasting change," said Amber Kemp, vice president of Medi-Cal strategy, execution and engagement at Health Net. "We're proud to support Saint John's in their mission to end the generational cycle of trauma and homelessness for Sacramento women, children and families."

The funds support various initiatives, including:

  • Expansion of the program's overall capacity to support more residents by adding staff to help with Saint John's housing deposit program, tenancy and sustaining services, and housing transition navigation services;
  • The implementation of housing case management software; and
  • The development of policies and procedures that promote inclusivity and equitable delivery of housing-related services.

"Health Net is investing in programs that provide crucial support for individuals experiencing homelessness in our community, including vulnerable women and children," said Sacramento County Supervisor Rich Desmond. "By addressing key social determinants of health, like housing instability, we can significantly enhance the overall health and well-being of Sacramento County residents."

"Homelessness prevention is the most effective way of addressing the number of unhoused individuals in the Sacramento region, and Saint John's is grateful for Health Net's investment in this effort," said Scott B. Richards, Ed.D., chief executive officer at Saint John's Program for Real Change. "Together, we are making an impact on the homelessness crisis and providing brighter futures for women and children in our community."

Thanks in part to the grant from Health Net, Saint John's Program for Real Change launched a Housing Assistance Program. To date, the organization has supported more than 100 Sacramentans with housing assistance, including securing permanent housing and short-term financial aid to help vulnerable individuals avoid evictions. This work is part of Health Net's ongoing commitment to help Californians with the highest needs achieve and maintain housing stability.

In fact, since 2020, Health Net has awarded more than $5.3 million to various organizations throughout Sacramento County that aim to increase the health of the communities they serve. These efforts have resulted in many positive outcomes, including:

  • Upgraded infrastructure for providers with essential improvements to better serve the Medi-Cal population
  • Expanded staff availability through strategic hiring and training
  • Improved quality measures related to Emergency Department visits, depressions screenings and follow-up care, homeless comprehensive diabetic care and more


Last Updated: 02/03/2025