HomeMy WebLinkAbout0021_2_Quality of Life - Exhibit A Statement of PrinciplesDRAFT v7
Riverside County Regional Homelessness Statement of Principles
Introduction:
According to the 2016 homeless Point in time count, the County of Riverside has 1,351 unsheltered
homeless individuals living on the streets and 814 living in shelters. The total homeless population
of 2,165 reflects a 12% decrease from the 2015 point in time count of 2,470. The reduction is
attributed to several factors, including an improving economy, lower unemployment rates and a
renewed effort to permanently house homeless veterans and the chronically homeless.
The County of Riverside is not unlike many counties and cities across the nation struggling to
address the issue of homelessness. While the number of homeless in the County has continued a
gradual but steady decrease, the perception is that the issue has worsened. This perception is a
result of the “visible” one-third of the homeless population that continue to decline services.
Homelessness is not a crime, it knows no political affiliation and is not concerned with jurisdictional
delineations. To better address this challenge, a regional approach is needed. Working
collaboratively with the County of Riverside a plan can be developed that ensureseach city is doing
its part to actively address homelessness.
Regional Commitment:
Each city in the county is committed to the following:
1. Standardize ordinances for panhandling, shopping carts, camping and trespassing
Makes it easier to enforce these laws consistently (throughout the region)
2. Engage the local homeless population and provide connections to local resources
Utilize multi-disciplinary teams that include service providers, faith-based/non-profit
organizationslaw enforcement, code enforcement, etc. to address local homelessness
issues as locally as possible
3. Provide services that meet the needs of the localhomeless population tohelp balance the
provision of services across the County
4. Advertise local resources for the local homeless population
Identify local available resources and submit information to the 211 Volunteer Center
Provide local resource guide handouts
5. Participate in a broad community-focused educational marketing campaign to highlight
effective ways to help the local homeless population
Use consistent messaging and themes throughout the County
Advertise on digital boards and local media
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6. Participate in the Riverside County Homeless Point in Time Count
Having an accurate count enables our community (and region) to be eligible for federal
and state funding for homeless services. The count helps us to better understand the
demographics and needs of those experiencing homelessness in our community, and
helps to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources to meet the needs of the
different populations.
7. Utilize the Coordinated Entry System (CES)
Coordinated entry ensures that all people experiencing a housing crisis have fair and
equal access, are quickly identified, assessed for, referred, and connected to housing
and assistance based on their strengths and needs
CES Assessments can be conducted by the following partners in your community:
Outreach workers, law enforcement personnel, code enforcement personnel, library
and park and recreation center staff, faith based organizations and non-profit
organizations
o CES Assessment Trainings will be provided by the County of Riverside University
Health Systems Behavioral Health
8. Identify housing opportunities that are affordable in the local community
Identify housing opportunities
Identify funding resources
Incentivize the development of housing opportunities that are affordable (i.e., amend
a development standard or a modification of the Zoning Code)
Partner with developers and property owners/landlords
9. Work towards the development and benefit of a permanent and diverse funding stream
for homeless services and affordable housing uses throughout the region
10. Encourage faith-based and non-profit organizations to be responsible and compassionate
when helping homeless individuals and families without harming them
Assist faith-based and non-profit organizations navigate homelessness in your
community
Encourage faith-based and non-profit organizations to be part of a broad and
coordinated regional effort to leverage resources and maximize impact, rather than
engage in singular short-term solutions