County Launches Community Budget Priorities Survey

Riverside County is inviting residents to share their input on how taxpayer dollars should be spent through a new Budget Priorities Survey. Available in English and Spanish, the survey allows residents to identify key services and spending priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.

To further engage the community, the County will host five budget workshops in early 2025, providing opportunities to learn about the budget process and share feedback ahead of the June budget hearings.

The survey is open until March 2025.

For additional information about Riverside County's warm centers, contact info@capriverside.org or call (951) 955-4900.

Western Riverside County Utility Assistance Center

Residents who need help paying their energy bills can now make utility assistance appointments at a new partner location at the Jurupa Valley Resource Center. Additional resources available at this center include housing and financial education, youth education, family health and wellness, violence prevention and support, substance use prevention, legal and translation services, and many other services. Call to schedule your appointment today! (951) 955-4900.

Riverside County Programs Opening Doors to Homeownership!

Are you dreaming of owning your first home? Our Homeownership Assistance Programs are here to help make your dream a reality! Up to 20% in down payment assistance is available to income-qualified buyers. For more information, call (951) 955-0784 or email fthb-programs@rivco.org.

Vista Sunrise Celebrates Grand Opening

We celebrated the grand opening of Vista Sunrise II in the City of Palm Springs, which developed 61 housing units, including 44 studio units, 16 one-bedroom units, and a unit for the onsite manager. The Housing Authority of the County of Riverside awarded the project a total of 35 Housing Choice Voucher Program Project-Based Vouchers for individuals at or below 30% of the area median income experiencing homelessness. Referrals will come from the Coordinated Entry System and supportive services will be provided on-site by the Riverside University Health System - Behavioral Health and Desert AIDS Project Health. Congratulations to everyone that made this beautiful community possible!

Riverside County Hosts Homeless Persons' Memorial Day

Riverside County Housing Authority is Promoting Housing Stability

Since 1942, the Housing Authority of Riverside County has transformed communities by developing affordable housing and revitalizing neighborhoods to promote self-sufficiency and quality of life.

In Riverside County, 54% of households are rent-burdened, spending over 30% of their income on housing, while 26% face severe burdens, paying more than 50%. Among extremely low-income households, 80% are rent-burdened. To combat this, HACR invested $33,890,434 in Housing Assistance Payments, supporting 9,858 households and adding 158 new families to its programs, reducing financial strain and promoting stability.

Workforce Development’s End-of-Year Meeting Celebrates 2024 Achievements

As the year comes to a close, Workforce Development gathered for an End-of-Year Meeting to reflect on achievements, celebrate milestones, and set the stage for an even brighter future.

The event featured impactful presentations and success stories from our community. Together, we celebrated the dedication of our team, partners, and participants who have made 2024 a year to remember.

This year, we:

• Supported 46,449 residents on their paths to success.
• Invested $8.18 million to train 1,234 residents, resulting in $53.24 million in annual wages.
• Achieved an 87% certification rate for jobseekers in occupational training.
• Invested $2.57 million in On-the-Job Training funds to 97 employers, benefiting 396 residents.
• Awarded $25,000 in scholarships through the Jamil Dada Character Excellence Youth Awards.
• Had 804 youth receive work experience, 471 youth continue education or become employed, and 268 youth earn a career technical certificate
• Enrolled 3,184 individuals in career technical training programs.

A special congratulations to this year’s honorees, whose hard work have made a large impact on our mission:

• Employer of the Year - Distinctive Restoration
• Partner of the Year - Riverside County Probation Department

Workforce Superstars of the Year:

• Kymberly Reis – Supervising Development Specialist
• Anna Zepeda – Development Specialist III

Excellence Awards:

• Jamil Dada - Vice Chair, Riverside County Workforce Development Board
• Angel Sanchez, Jr. – CEO, Phenix Technology

Advocate of the Year

• Yxstian Gutierrez, Fifth District Riverside County Supervisor

The MC3 Industry Certification training program is beginning to form an interest list for its next cohort. The program prepares students for careers in construction, engineering, and industrial maintenance with 166 hours of instruction, including 20 hours of hands-on training. Students will learn about construction tools and materials, read blueprints, and gain basic skills in financial literacy and environmentally sustainable construction. They will also receive first aid and hazardous materials handling training, which can lead to an OSHA 10 certification. Upon completion, students earn an MC3 Certificate, which can be used to secure an apprenticeship in construction.

For more information on future trainings, contact:

Maria Islas, maislas@rivco.org

(951) 955-0185

Upcoming HWS Events

• Dec. 19, 12:30pm- 3:30pm: Homeless Persons' Memorial Day Events: 
  • Coachella Valley - CV Resue Mission, 47470 Van Buren St., Indio
  • Hemet - Behavioral Health Clinic, 650 N. State St., Hemet
  • Riverside - Fairmount Park, 2601 Fairmount Blvd.
• Dec. 23, 12:30pm- 3:30pm: Utility Assistance Clinic @ 29995 Evans Rd., Menifee, 92586
• Dec. 26, 9:00am- 12:00pm: Utility Assistance Clinic @ 789 N Gorgonio Ave Banning, 92220
• Dec. 30, 12:30pm- 3:30pm: Utility Assistance Clinic @ 29995 Evans Rd., Menifee, 92586