Homelessness In San Jacinto Riverbed: State Awards $12M To Tackle It

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The County of Riverside was awarded a $12 million state grant to address the issue of homelessness in and around the San Jacinto Riverbed, it was announced Thursday.

The funding was from the third round of California's Encampment Resolution Funding Program, a $350 million competitive grant program available to assist local jurisdictions looking to tackle homelessness.

The grant, the second largest received in the state during the third funding round, will be used to provide housing, street outreach and wrap-around services, county officials said.

Sacramento County received the highest allotment — $17,675,219.69 — during the third funding round.

"We are incredibly grateful to the State of California for awarding us this generous grant," said Riverside County 5th District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez. "This funding will enable us to expand our efforts and implement comprehensive solutions to address homelessness in and around the San Jacinto Riverbed. We recognize the importance of providing housing, street outreach, and wraparound services to those in need and make a lasting impact on their lives."

Those services will include mental health support, substance abuse counseling, workforce connections, and other resources "to uplift individuals experiencing homelessness and empower them on their journey to stability and self-sufficiency," according to county officials.

The county will work with the cities of San Jacinto and Hemet, as well as other local stakeholders, "to develop a comprehensive plan for the utilization of this grant. The aim is to maximize the impact of the funding and ensure that it addresses the unique needs of the community," according to county officials.

"We welcome the opportunities this grant will bring to our community," said Heidi Marshall, Director of the Department of Housing and Workforce Solutions. "With the support of the State of California and our partnering cities, we can create better opportunities for those in and around the San Jacinto Riverbed. This grant is a significant step forward in our collective efforts to combat homelessness and provide the necessary support for individuals to rebuild their lives."

In 2022, Riverside County was awarded $10,997,001.36 from the state program, and in June 2023 the city of Banning received $980,461.