DPSS_100_Year_Annual_A4_Final-v5-Digital_compressed

Crisis Response and Intervention Services Team Houses 500 Adults 26 | RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

T he Crisis Response and Intervention Services (CRIS) program began in late 2018 with one supervisor and five social workers. Today, five supervisors and more than 30 staff work to house homeless seniors and dependent adults in communities across Riverside County. The CRIS team collaborates with community and county partners on solutions, while keeping their clients at the center of their decision making. Their work brings stability and resources to some of Riverside County’s most at-risk adults. In Fiscal Year 23/24, the CRIS team housed over 500 adults across Riverside County.

Housing Vouchers Turn the Key for Once Homeless Seniors

N early 40% of adults experiencing homelessness are age 50 and older, according to the California Budget and Policy Center. In fact, older adults are the fastest growing population experiencing homelessness in California, and the largest share of individuals experiencing homelessness for the first time due to fixed incomes and skyrocketing housing costs. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is the major federal program for assisting very low-income families,

the elderly, and disabled to afford decent and safe housing in the private market. Housing assistance is provided, so participants can find their own housing, including single family homes, townhouses and apartments. Through collaboration with the County’s Housing and Workforce Solutions Department & Housing Authority, the Housing Choice Voucher program, helped CRIS bring stability and safety to hundreds of at-risk seniors and dependent adults in Riverside County during Fiscal Year 23/24. Here are a few of the individuals celebrating their new homes.