Funds pave the way for more capital improvement, service and youth projects in several communities

Riverside, Ca – For the first time, just over $10 million dollars in state funding has been awarded to agencies and cities that help the homeless individuals and families in Riverside County.   In issuing the funding, the state required the county to use the existing Continuum of Care structure created by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to manage federal grants for homeless programs. March 4, the Riverside County Continuum of Care Board of Governance issued final awards for 18 different projects county-wide, including homeless housing projects, rental assistance, shelter repairs and youth outreach.

“This new investment from the state is very exciting,” said Natalie Komuro, Riverside County’s Deputy County Executive Officer – Homelessness Solutions. “It gives us the opportunity to accelerate the response to homelessness, particularly in areas that have historically had no homeless programs.

The funds come from the state’s Homeless Emergency and Aid Program (HEAP) ($9,302,215) and California Emergency Solutions and Housing (CESH) ($727,119). There were 42 proposals received and 36 proposals met baseline criteria for funding. Here are a few examples of how the money will be put to use:

• $588,497 will help Martha’s Village and Kitchen in Indio provide recuperative care and employment services
• $370,900 will help Coachella Valley Rescue Mission in Indio expand its shelter by 50 beds
• $489,590 will allow Operation Safe House in Riverside to expand youth outreach and  repair the roof on its emergency youth shelter.
• $1,796,411 will allow the Social Work Action Group to acquire, rehab 18 housing units in Perris.

You’ll find details on the funding allocations here. The funds will be distributed starting in the spring.