Three annual targets missed in Riverside's homelessness plan
City officials cited low treatment acceptance rates and rising housing costs as the main barriers to meeting 2025 goals.
By Thiago Kovalenko ·
Riverside officials missed three annual targets in the city's homelessness strategy during a committee review held on Oct. 26. The unmet goals involved reducing chronic homelessness, reducing homelessness among people with substance use disorders, and increasing the acceptance rate of outreach services.
The Housing and Homelessness Committee examined the Homelessness Action Plan adopted in 2022. Staff proposed clearer metrics for progress, while members raised questions about how to move individuals from shelters into stable living situations. The discussion highlighted a disconnect between available services and resident participation.
Committee member Sean Mill argued that providing housing alone does not resolve the underlying issues of addiction and mental illness. He stated, "We can’t consider success just simply offering housing and offering services." Mill emphasized the need for better pathways into treatment for those struggling with these conditions.
Housing and Human Services Director Michelle Davis explained that the city partners with county agencies, including the Arlington Recovery Center, to refer residents to treatment. She noted that acceptance rates remain low. Davis said staff are currently investigating housing gaps for people who complete treatment programs. The city currently uses shelters, bridge housing, and motels to house individuals while they wait for permanent beds.
Committee Chair Luis Hernandez questioned whether outreach workers have enough affordable options for clients who cannot pay for independent living. He observed that high rent prices make it difficult for people to see an exit from homelessness. Hernandez urged the city to use grants to encourage low-income housing development. Mill is also drafting an inclusionary housing ordinance to address affordability issues.
The staff report identified measurement problems in the current plan. Some objectives lacked clear metrics or relied on the point-in-time count, which occurs only every two years. Staff recommended six annual trainings and aligning chronic homelessness targets with the count schedule. They also proposed expanding the annual goal of 15 HOME Court referrals to include CARE Court.
Deputy Director Megan Stoye recommended dropping the target to increase successful street outreach placements by 25% annually. She explained that the target did not specify placement locations or logistics. Public commenters raised concerns about belongings lost during encampment removals. Davis confirmed that items are stored at the access center and that transportation is available for retrieval. The committee will continue its review through February.
