Holistic Approach Targets Encampments and Improves Communities in Riverside County

Riverside County, CA - There are multiple root causes to homelessness. As such, the response to homelessness in Riverside County spans across multiple agencies Riverside County continues to take a regional, multi-pronged approach to address homeless encampments. In partnership with local jurisdictions and key service providers, the county offers housing and support services, while working with behavioral health experts, substance use counselors, social workers, medical teams, law enforcement, park rangers, and animal services to provide holistic care.

"We are committed to addressing homelessness with compassion and collaboration,” said Riverside County Fifth District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez. “This project is about more than just clearing encampments—it's about providing hope, dignity, and a pathway to a better future for all residents."

The goal is to connect individuals with the resources they need to transition out of homelessness. High housing costs, lack of affordable options, and family disruptions, including domestic violence, are among the top reasons people experience homelessness in Riverside County. These trends hold as well as across the state and nation.

In 2019, the county secured state funding through the state’s Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) Program, paving the way to house 150 residents who were previously living in the Santa Ana Riverbed. A second grant expanded the model, providing housing for 28 more residents in the San Jacinto Riverbed. In line with Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent Executive Order N-1-24, Riverside County has increased efforts to compassionately resolve encampments and offer long-term housing solutions.

As the lead agency for Riverside County’s Homeless Continuum of Care (CoC), the county collaborates with its network of homeless assistance providers, ensuring one in three individuals countywide receive resources to combat homelessness. Securing additional state and federal resources remains a top priority, considering the county faced a six percent rise in requests for homeless services during the 2023-24 fiscal year.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing homelessness, visit rivcohhpws.org for more information on county resources.

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