Working together to prevent and end homelessness in Contra Costa CountyContra Costa Interjurisdictional Council on Homelessness
The Contra Costa Interjurisdictional Council on Homelessness (CCICH) brings together organizations, agencies, and community members to create a coordinated response to homelessness in our county. Together, we can make a difference.
Established in 2005, the Contra Costa Interjurisdictional Council on Homelessness (CCICH) serves as the primary collaborative body addressing homelessness throughout Contra Costa County. As the federally recognized Continuum of Care (CoC) for the county, CCICH coordinates homeless services, develops strategic plans, and implements evidence-based solutions to prevent and end homelessness.
CCICH brings together a diverse group of stakeholders including county departments, city governments, nonprofit service providers, healthcare systems, faith-based organizations, businesses, and individuals with lived experience of homelessness. This collaborative approach ensures that resources are maximized and that services meet the complex needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Our mission is to develop and implement a comprehensive system of care that prevents homelessness whenever possible and rapidly rehouses those who become homeless. We believe that everyone deserves safe, stable housing and the support needed to maintain it.
The CCICH Governing Board provides oversight and strategic direction. Composed of representatives from county agencies, cities throughout Contra Costa, service providers, and community members, the Board meets monthly to make decisions about funding priorities, policy recommendations, and implementation strategies.
Specialized committees and workgroups focus on key aspects of our homeless response system, including Coordinated Entry, Youth Homelessness, Data and Evaluation, Policy and Advocacy, and Racial Equity. These groups develop expertise and recommendations in their focus areas.
The Advisory Council includes individuals with lived experience of homelessness, provider representatives, and community stakeholders. This group ensures that diverse perspectives inform CCICH's work and that our initiatives are responsive to the real needs of those we serve.
Housing First approaches provide permanent supportive housing without requiring participants to first complete treatment or sobriety programs. CCICH has implemented multiple Housing First programs that have proven effective in helping chronically homeless individuals exit homelessness and maintain housing.
Our Coordinated Entry System ensures that people experiencing homelessness are assessed for needs and vulnerabilities and connected to appropriate housing resources based on priorities. This system has streamlined access to services and reduced duplication across providers.
CCICH's rapid rehousing programs provide short-term rental assistance and services to help families quickly exit homelessness and return to permanent housing. With support in identifying housing, budget planning, and connecting to community resources, families can achieve stability.
Specialized programs address the unique needs of homeless and unaccompanied youth (ages 18-24). These include emergency shelter, transitional housing, education support, employment services, and mentorship programs that help young people transition to stable adulthood.
CCICH supports multiple outreach teams that build relationships with individuals living unsheltered, connect them to services, and help them access housing. These teams take a trauma-informed approach and work to earn trust over time.
CCICH's success depends on strong partnerships across multiple sectors. Our collaborative network includes:
Health Services, Employment & Human Services, Community Development
Representatives from all 19 cities in Contra Costa County
Shelter operators, housing providers, and service organizations
Contra Costa Health Services, Kaiser Permanente, John Muir Health
Faith communities, civic groups, and advocacy organizations
Individuals with personal experience of homelessness
Since establishing our coordinated approach to homelessness, Contra Costa County has seen a measurable decrease in chronic homelessness, faster connections to housing for those in crisis, and improved outcomes for families and youth. We continue to work toward our goal of making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.
Financial contributions support housing programs, services, and resources for those experiencing homelessness. Every contribution makes a difference.
Lend your time and skills to support meals programs, shelter operations, outreach efforts, or special events throughout the county.
Join our advocacy network to support policies and funding that address homelessness at local, state, and federal levels.
Attend CCICH meetings or community events to learn more about our work and share your perspective on ending homelessness.
Have questions or want to learn more about CCICH's work? We'd love to hear from you.
info@ccich.org
(925) 957-5000
400 Douglas Drive, Suite 200
Martinez, CA 94553
