2026 Convening

At Words to Deeds (W2D) 2026, leaders from across California’s behavioral health, criminal-legal, and housing systems will convene to elevate county innovations and collectively develop a roadmap to inform the priorities for our incoming Governor. This peer-to-peer, collaborative forum will bring together first-adopter leaders and decisionmakers to develop and implement strategies that can be refined and scaled by other counties and state departments focused on public safety and well-being outcomes.

W2D 2025 emphasized the importance of relationships, including understanding the lived experiences of those working in different systems and the individuals and communities they serve. Each session reminded us that reform is not just a policy challenge, it’s a human one. And when systems work together with respect and solidarity, transformation becomes possible. This year, we will be focusing on several topic areas, mainly:

• Forensic Full Service Partnerships
• Supportive housing and homelessness in the behavioral health population
• Prop 36 implementation
• Mobile crisis response

Third Sector is co-hosting W2D 2026 with the state Commission for Behavioral Health.

In addition, Third Sector will partner with the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) to bring together partners for a conversation about concrete policies the next Governor’s administration should pursue to ensure people with complex behavioral health needs can access and thrive in supportive housing

If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about Words to Deeds, including opportunities to become a supporter, please email info@wordstodeeds.org.