Riverside City Council Approves $836,000 to Support Local Homeless Shelter Operations Through December

In a significant move to address homelessness, the Riverside City Council has approved an additional $836,000 to bolster its Bridge Housing Program, which provides temporary shelter and supportive services for homeless individuals. This funding will enhance the operations of a 23-bed shelter located at 2881 Hulen Place and ensure the program’s continuation through December.
Since February 2022, Mercy House Living Centers of Santa Ana has managed the Bridge Housing Program with the aid of federal and state homeless assistance funds. The newly approved financial support will sustain daily operations and enhance support services, including 24-hour shelter operations, case management, housing navigation, and assistance with obtaining identification and vital documents. Additionally, the funding will facilitate referrals to employment programs, income-support programs, and individualized service planning to aid in securing permanent housing solutions.
The need for “uninterrupted” shelter operations was a key factor in securing the additional funds, as highlighted in a city report. This year, Riverside received $10.3 million in state Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) Round 6 funding, with $3.77 million earmarked specifically for interim and bridge housing solutions.
The city acquired the 4,568-square-foot property in 2013 for $420,000 through grant funds and converted it into a 23-bed shelter in 2021, at a cost of $1,504,832. Since its inception, Mercy House has served 315 individuals through the Bridge Housing Program, with 109 successfully transitioning to permanent housing.
According to the 2025 Point in Time Count conducted by the Riverside County Continuum of Care, 614 individuals were identified as experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Riverside. This initiative reflects a commitment to community response and care for vulnerable neighbors, echoing the biblical call to “seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

Source: Read the original report