Supervisor Gutierrez Weekly District 5 Message - February 6, 2023
Dear District 5 Residents,
What is being done to address homelessness? This is a common question I am asked, but the answer is quite complex involving housing, mental health, job training and education, and strategic partnerships.
Providing housing and mental health services allows our unsheltered to transition from the streets to a safe and stable environment. Last week, my colleagues and I approved $6.7 million in ARPA funds to help establish low-income housing along with other homeless assistance programs, including street outreach and wraparound services. Our District also has other funds available to expand these services. We look forward to working with our County Housing Workforce Solutions (HWS) department to put these ideas into action, specifically programs related to mental health, addiction, workforce, and housing.
Recently, my colleagues and I also approved an additional $2 million to aid youth who have aged out of the foster care system (Board Agenda Item 3.15). These young adults, aged 18-21, would otherwise end up homeless and typically unemployed when they become too old to stay in the foster care system. These programs provide transitional housing and support services.
As many of us know, our unsheltered often lack the necessary skills to gain and maintain employment. Homeless solutions that embed workforce opportunities and training are the most successful. We can help them gain the skills and qualifications needed to find and maintain work. In addition, educational programs throughout our county workforce centers can provide homeless individuals with the knowledge and skills needed for employment.
During my tenure as a local Mayor, I championed programs such as the award-winning Homeless to Work program. In this program, we address job training and education while providing the dignity of a job. My goal is to bring the Homeless to Work program throughout other areas of District 5. This last week I had the opportunity to meet with staff from our Housing Workforce Solutions department and the Salvation Army to discuss a pilot project.
By providing access to housing, job training and education, support services, and understanding, we can work together to address this crisis and create a better future. If you have an idea or know of a non-profit ready to assist our most vulnerable, please visit our website to learn more and apply for funding: www.rivcodistrict5.org/grants-sponsorships
