The City of Moreno Valley’s Homeless to Work program is making a huge difference in the community. Since the program’s launch in January, outreach has been conducted to assure all homeless individuals have received access to health services, addiction programs, housing opportunities, and other vital resources – including the Homeless to Work program.
How does it work?
The Homeless to Work program aims to rescue Moreno Valley residents from the clutches of homelessness. The program is a partnership between the City of Moreno Valley, The Salvation Army (Moreno Valley Corps), and Waste Management. On a daily basis, The Salvation Army conducts outreach to connect homeless individuals to support services and job opportunities. Through their interactions with the homeless individuals, The Salvation Army is able to assist with obtaining driver’s licenses, identifications cards, social security cards, and other necessary items which may be creating obstacles to employment. While being employed through the Homeless to Work program with The Salvation Army, workers earn $10.50 per hour to help Keep MoVal Beautiful by removing trash and litter. By participating in the program, participants are prepared to seek employment through the City’s many businesses and employment partners including Waste Management.
What are the impacts of the program?
The City of Moreno Valley has allocated $30,000 in 2018 for the Homeless to Work program along with $80,000 for overall homeless outreach services. Although the program is only eight-months-old, the community is already seeing positive results.
Program successes and statistics:
• 300+ Outreach interactions were initiated
• 46 individuals entered the hiring process
• 23 individuals have participated
• 100+ areas have been beautified
• 10 participants attained regular employment to overcome their battle with homelessness
During the most recent Point in Time (PIT) Count, Riverside County’s Department of Public Social Services identified a homeless population of seventy-seven (77) in Moreno Valley. Based on the County’s count, the Homeless to Work program has not only exceeded expectations but has provided the following results:
• 13% of homeless individuals have gained regular employment
• 30% of homeless individuals have been employed in the program
• 100% of homeless individuals have benefited from the program
Though Moreno Valley has a low homeless population; just one individual’s suffering is one too many. The City of Moreno Valley is committed to reducing homelessness in the community, and the Homeless to Work program is helping individuals get back on their feet and reintegrate into society.
Visit Moreno Valley's website to watch an informational video about the Homeless to Work program.