RivCo To Get $15M In Prop 47 Grants For Mental Health, Drug Treatment

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — As a result of savings garnered by Proposition 47, the state is sending out millions of dollars in grants to cities and organizations to expand access to mental health and substance-use disorder services.

Riverside County received two grants totally in more than $15 million. The County of Riverside Department of Housing and Workforce Solutions (HWS) will get $8 million, while Riverside County Veterans' Services will get $7.9 million.

The grants, totaling in $167 million, will be awarded by the Board of State and Community Corrections.

HWS was formed in 2020 by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors to support the unhoused, rent-burdened households and to develop the local workforce.

"Homelessness is one of the most challenging and complex social issues that we face today. To meet this challenge, we must move forward collectively, with a strong private-public partnership committed to a shared mission and vision," said HWS Director Heidi Marshal.

Read the organization's Homeless Action Plan Here.

Riverside County Veterans' Services helps to assist local vets with resources, benefits and employment opportunities. Learn more about the organization here.

Funding comes from a measure that voters approved in 2014 that reduced penalties for some nonviolent crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. The savings from those penalties due to lower incarceration rates is used to help people rehabilitate by addressing the root causes of crime, the governor's office said in a release.

"Crime rates are lower in California than before voters approved Prop 47 and fewer offenders are returning to a life of crime," Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Friday.

Prop 47 has generated $800 million in funding since 2014. Sixty-five percent of those savings have gone toward mental health treatment, substance use disorder treatment and diversion programs. Some 25% have gone to K-12 schools and 10% have gone to victims services, the state said.

“Our Proposition 47 grant program is making a positive impact in our communities through meaningful interventions-there is no doubt these programs are changing lives,” said Chair Linda Penner, BSCC board chair. “It’s exciting to continue this funding to help support these diverse efforts and it’s encouraging to see the kind of services they will provide.”