UPLAND, Calif. – The City of Upland has made significant progress in its efforts to eliminate homelessness in the city, with its most recent Point in Time Count showing a 25 percent reduction in the number of individuals in the community living without shelter.

Preliminary results of the count, conducted this past week, identified 94 homeless individuals, down from 127 a year ago and 164 in 2016, said Eric Gavin, coordinator of the Upland Community Restoration Team. The largely volunteer restoration program, initiated last year, has helped dozens of homeless individuals and families find permanent housing futures and begin the process of rebuilding their lives.

The group has also worked closely with the Upland Police Department to address the public safety issues associated with homelessness.

“There is no question that the work Eric and his team have done to reduce homelessness has helped make Upland a safer, healthier community,” said Mayor Debbie Stone. “We’re pleased with the results from the Point in Time Count, but we’re also mindful that we’re dealing with more than just numbers. We can’t, and won’t, forget the lives that are behind those statistics – many of them families and children who need our help.”

For information on the Community Restoration Team, contact Gavin at 909-257-5208.