News
Riverside County Point in Time Count reveals a decrease of 8% in unsheltered homelessness
For the first time in six years, the results from Riverside County’s Point in Time (PIT) Count reveal a decrease in the number of persons experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
The unsheltered count decreased 8 percent and is the result of steep housing investments made with $196 million in COVID-19 relief funding that helped 26,665 households remain housed during the pandemic. The count identified a total of 3,316 sheltered and unsheltered homeless adults and children throughout the county, which is 15 percent higher than the count in 2020, which was 2,884.
The count was conducted February 23 – 25 and included counts in the street, unincorporated areas, and events to draw in homeless youth. The county is federally required to perform an annual census of people living in shelters and transitional housing and an unsheltered count every other year. The Riverside County Continuum of Care (CoC), however conducts an unsheltered count every year. The results offer a snapshot of local needs and support the county’s Housing and Workforce Solutions (HWS) and the CoC better direct resources to end and prevent homelessness.
During the count, more than 625 volunteers fanned out across the county on a cold early-winter morning to interview unsheltered individuals and families. In addition to the interviews, volunteers offered residents experiencing homelessness to services like housing, animal services, medical services, or help obtaining documents. As a result, 49 percent of those interviewed during the general count signed up to receive follow-up services.
“It was very important to not just interview persons experiencing homelessness, but to also connect them to services,” said Heidi Marshall, director of HWS. “The results of the count serve as a tool for effective planning and performance management toward the goal of ending homelessness for our community.”
Compared to 2020, the sheltered count increased 83 percent from 729 to 1,336. The sheltered count consisted of information from a countywide homeless management system, as well as data from agencies that operate emergency domestic violence shelters.
Stimulus funds have also provided an opportunity to decrease unsheltered homelessness and expand access to more than 600 safe shelter beds since 2020. Through this effort, HWS and the CoC have organized services to vulnerable residents, including seniors, expectant mothers, and individuals with significant health problems.
Results from this year’s count attest to the hard work from county and partner agencies to coordinate responses that align with the newly adopted Homeless Action Plan, with particular focus on expanding the number of emergency shelter beds and sustaining prevention efforts to help keep vulnerable low-income residents in housing. Read the Homeless Action Plan here.
The youth count, which was led by Operation Safe House counted transitional aged youth 18-24 experiencing homelessness. This year, the total number of transitional aged youth decreased by 4 percent. Homeless youth, often called “the invisible population,” tend to blend into their surroundings and are less likely to disclose their housing status to authorities.
The Riverside County Department of Housing and Workforce Solutions serves as the CoC Lead Agency for the Riverside County Continuum of Care. The Riverside County Continuum of Care is made up of over 200 individuals and agencies who meet regularly and oversee the community’s plan to organize and deliver supportive social services, including housing options to meet the needs of homeless individuals and families.
The complete report of the PIT Count results was presented today during the County of Riverside Board of Supervisors meeting. The results are available online at morethanacount.org.
# # #
By: Tiani Jadulang
May 24, 2022
Latest Instagram Posts
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings
Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Haake, who has died at 94. Haake began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Haake was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Haake. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHaake #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Sterling Conley with the rushing TD, 2) Marcus Kennedy with the touchdown catch, 3) Cade Pinon with the big time sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the pick-6, or 5) Caleb Hartwell with the saving throw #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
James Nellis from @dsrt_club_lq and @rd_rnnr_lq makes us one of his signature dishes, his Maine scallops with hibiscus puree. His creativity and skill lead to unique bold flavors and scrumptious dishes. We chat about his love of trying new things in the kitchen, what being a chef means to him, and how food can different, flavorful, and fun. This is James Nellis on a plate. See it now on nbcpalmsprings.com
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips