RIVERSIDE – (INT) – The city is taking a new approach to help the homeless.

‘Housing First’ emphasizes getting individuals into housing as quickly as possible in order to provide them with services like substance abuse counseling and job referrals.

A policy change approved by the City Council policy change shifts Riverside away from the approach that it and most other cities have taken for many years – providing housing only after homeless individuals have completed other requirements, such as getting sober and finding employment.

Instead, ‘Housing First’ is designed to help homeless people achieve the same goals, but it recognizes that such individuals are far more likely to be successful if they are housed permanently first, instead of last. Housing is the tool to achieve stability.

“We recognize that you cannot end homelessness without housing,” Mayor Rusty Bailey said. “As we continue working to get people without homes off the streets and back into a productive way of living, I’m proud of our city for taking this pro-active approach.”

The City Council approved memorandums of understanding with partner agencies, including: Riverside County Department of Behavioral Health; Riverside County Housing Authority; Step Up on Second; and Path of Life Ministries.

Story Date: March 29, 2018