RivCo Gets $8M For 'Street Recovery' Program To Address Homelessness

RIVERSIDE, CA — A new Riverside County initiative that aims to reduce recidivism and reach thousands of residents facing urgent mental health crises, substance abuse and homelessness just received an $8 million grant from the state.

The county's Department of Housing and Workforce Solutions received the award from the California Board of State and Community Corrections for its RivCo Street Recovery program, which is slated to launch in December and continue through June 2028.

"The RivCo Street Recovery initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to tackling some of the County’s most pressing issues — homelessness, mental health, and substance use," said Board Chair Chuck Washington, Third District Supervisor.

"RivCo Street Recovery will utilize a comprehensive, field-based approach to provide essential services where they are needed most," according to a release from the county.

The new initiative will require the assembly of a multidisciplinary team of housing navigators, licensed clinicians, medical personnel and case managers to meet unhoused people where they are.

That team will help facilitate permanent housing placements, and connect residents to recovery-oriented services. The program will also connect those in need to workforce development programs run by the county's housing department.

In addition, the teams behind RivCo Street Recovery hope to see residents benefit in the long term by providing mobile care directly in the field and by quickly placing people in sober living or recovery homes.

"This funding will enable us to reach vulnerable populations who have been unable to access the care they need," said Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. "To combat issues like poverty, we must create workforce pathways while ensuring this funding directly supports those who are most vulnerable."

The county hopes to "significantly reduce" barriers that unhoused residents have faced such as transportation struggles and long wait times for recovery housing.