New data shows homelessness has decreased in Riverside County
Riverside- The number of homeless people in Riverside County decreased four percent compared to a similar count last year. The “point in time” count totaled 2,310 adults and children, compared to a 2017 count of 2,406.
The federally mandated count in Riverside County was conducted on the morning of January 23, 2018. As in previous years, approximately 500 volunteers teamed up with outreach staff and experienced professionals from more than 130 agencies to canvass pre-identified areas.
The survey counts unsheltered and sheltered homeless people. This year’s survey showed a 19 percent decrease in the number of sheltered homeless and a three percent increase in unsheltered homeless – a four percent decrease overall. The slight increase in Riverside County’s unsheltered homeless count (3%) is trending with other southern California counties that also experienced increases. Of the county’s 28 cities, 15 have increases in their unsheltered homeless count, while 13 show a decrease or no change. The cities with increases are:
City |
2017 Count |
2018 Count |
Percentage increase |
Banning |
32 |
37 |
15.6% |
Calimesa |
0 |
9 |
– |
Cathedral City |
44 |
46 |
4.5% |
Corona |
56 |
72 |
28.6% |
Desert Hot Springs |
43 |
58 |
34.9% |
Jurupa Valley |
129 |
148 |
14.7% |
La Quinta |
2 |
4 |
100% |
Lake Elsinore |
62 |
75 |
21% |
Menifee |
14 |
22 |
57.1% |
Moreno Valley |
73 |
86 |
17.8% |
Murrieta |
7 |
19 |
171.4% |
Palm Desert |
28 |
43 |
53.6% |
Perris |
29 |
95 |
227.6% |
Rancho Mirage |
0 |
8 |
– |
Wildomar |
6 |
15 |
150% |
Additionally, there was a 13 percent increase from 2017 among those who were unsheltered and reported they were chronically homeless as defined by HUD, which means they must have a disability and have been homeless continuously for one year or at least four times in the last three years totaling one year.
The Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) has commissioned the homeless count since 2005, when they were first required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The data will be used to understand the extent and scope of homelessness in Riverside County and is a tool to help the community plan and adjust its response.
DPSS Director Susan von Zabern said, “The survey and count are barometers for county jurisdictions and cities to consider next steps in the effective delivery of homeless services.”
Organizations that provide shelter for individuals and families generally compile information that is submitted to HUD, along with the unsheltered count. The data will eventually become part of an annual report to Congress on the effectiveness of HUD’s programs.
A summary document and additional detailed reports are available on the DPSS website: Contact Jill Kowalski, Homeless Programs Manager, at JKowalsk@rivco.org for more information on the PIT Count.
