Unlocking Every Door: Community-Based Housing Strategies Beyond Section 8

Mysti’s Adult & Family Services at the Housing California Conference

As California prepares for the Housing California Conference, one theme continues to rise to the surface: ending homelessness requires more than vouchers—it requires community-rooted systems that work.

At Mysti’s Adult & Family Services, our work across California has reinforced a simple truth: Section 8 alone does not end homelessness. Housing stability is achieved when rental assistance is paired with Enhanced Care Management (ECM), housing navigation, deposits, application support, and ongoing stabilization services delivered by trusted community-based providers.

This is the focus of our in-person workshop at the Housing California Conference,

“Unlocking Every Door: Community-Based Housing Strategies Beyond Section 8.”

Why the Housing California Conference Matters for Community-Based Providers

The Housing California Conference brings together policymakers, housing authorities, healthcare partners, and nonprofit leaders committed to solving homelessness across the state. It is also a critical opportunity to elevate the voices of community-based organizations (CBOs) that implement housing policy on the ground every day.

Community providers are often the missing link between:

Housing policy and housing placement
Section 8 access and housing retention
Public funding and real-world outcomes

Mysti’s operates at this intersection—where systems meet people.

Beyond Section 8: What Housing Stability Actually Requires

While Section 8 and other rental assistance programs are essential, many Californians experiencing homelessness face additional barriers, including:

Justice system involvement
Physical or behavioral health needs
Documentation and application challenges
Lack of landlord engagement
Fragmented service systems

Without coordinated support, these barriers can delay or derail housing placements—even when vouchers are available.

Through Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and housing-related Community Supports, Mysti’s provides:

Housing deposits to remove upfront financial barriers
Housing transition and navigation services
Application assistance for housing and benefits
Care coordination and stabilization supports

These services ensure that housing access leads to housing stability.

Community-Based Housing Solutions in California

Mysti’s Adult & Family Services currently provides ECM and housing stabilization services in multiple California counties, including:

Contra Costa County
Monterey County
San Benito County
Merced County
Santa Cruz County
Los Angeles County

Our teams work directly with individuals and families experiencing homelessness, justice involvement, and complex health needs—partnering with counties, healthcare systems, landlords, and community organizations to strengthen local housing pipelines.

This community-based model allows housing strategies to be locally informed, culturally responsive, and outcome-driven.

Bringing the Conversation to the Housing California Conference

At the Housing California Conference, the Mysti’s team—including executive leadership, program directors, trauma specialists, and case management leaders—will share practical tools, lessons learned, and real-world insights from community-based housing implementation in California.

This session highlights how community-rooted strategies can expand Section 8 utilization, protect renters, and close equity gaps—while ensuring that housing policy translates into stable homes.