The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) meeting on July 17, 2025, highlighted critical discussions surrounding the funding and support for Trauma Recovery Centers (TRCs) in the state, which play a vital role in assisting victims of violence, particularly women and gender-diverse individuals experiencing homelessness.

Tayo Bridal, policy manager at the Downtown Women's Center, emphasized the importance of stable funding for TRCs, noting that many have faced defunding due to unclear application processes. Since its inception in 2015, the Downtown Women's Center has served over 2,600 clients, providing trauma-informed care in a city where 90% of homeless women have experienced victimization. Bridal urged the board to amend the scoring criteria for funding applications to ensure that established TRCs can continue their essential services without interruption.

Sarah Metz, director of the UCSF Grama Recovery Center, echoed these concerns, pointing out the challenges posed by the timing of grant releases during the holiday season. She highlighted the need for clearer guidance in the application process, which has previously resulted in lost funding opportunities for her organization. Metz stressed the importance of supporting agencies to effectively serve their communities.

Michelle O'Nellis Knight, director of the UC Davis Trauma Recovery Center, shared her experience as one of the newer TRCs, which successfully secured funding by preparing well in advance. She underscored the significance of accessibility and the unique flexibility that TRCs offer, allowing them to build trusting relationships with survivors who may not have previously disclosed their victimization.

The discussions at the meeting reflect a growing recognition of the challenges faced by TRCs and the need for consistent, transparent funding to ensure they can continue to provide critical support to vulnerable populations. As the board considers these insights, the future of trauma recovery services in California hangs in the balance, with the potential for significant impacts on community well-being and recovery efforts.