Ellen Perrault
Riverside is on the brink of abandoning a once-in-a-generation opportunity to significantly reduce veteran and senior homelessness—despite overwhelming public support and $29 million in secured state and federal funding.
A proposed 114-unit Permanent Supportive Housing development, funded by a $20 million California Homekey grant and $9 million in pass through federal funds, would provide safe, stable housing for 94 seniors and veterans living with chronic mental illness and substance use disorders. There is no comparable project currently in the pipeline.
Yet four City Councilmembers—Philip Falcone, Steven Robillard, Chuck Conder, and Sean Mill—are blocking the project, overruling Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes, the only woman and only person of color on the council, in whose ward the project is located.
Public testimony over the past two City Council meetings, held January 27 and February 3, has been overwhelmingly supportive. No less than 65 residents and experts have spoken in favor of the project, with only three speaking out against it.
In addition, more than 3.5 hours of testimony were provided by case managers, housing experts, civil rights advocates, neighbors and the nonprofit developer, Riverside Housing Development Corporation (RHDC), including representatives of the Old Riverside Foundation who expressed deep concern about the crime and property damaged emanating from visitors to the existing Quality Inn that would be renovated
Experts explained the Housing First model—shown to have an 86% success rate nationally—as well as the project’s 24/7 onsite staffing and security, has strict behavioral rules and enforcement measures, including eviction when necessary. They also detailed how the proposed development would significantly improve public safety compared to the deteriorating Quality Inn currently on the site, which has long generated high levels of crime and frequent police calls.
In written communications, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and RHDC have warned the mayor and city council that denying this grant exposes the City of Riverside to substantial legal liability from all 94 seniors and veterans who would be denied housing due to disabilities, including mental illness and substance use disorders.
In addition, California’s Inland Empire communities face significant challenges as it prepares for a substantial increase in its aging population. It already struggles with a shortage of resources to care for its elderly population, particularly Black Americans who face unique challenges due to long-standing economic disparities.
The California Department of Aging further notes the number of seniors in Riverside County is expected to increase by more than 248% by the year 2060.
Despite these facts, the four councilmembers remain intransigent. The only organized opposition that has testified comes from a small group of local business interests, led by the newly opened Farm House Collective, created by the wealthy and philanthropic Bailey family of Riverside.
While claiming to support affordable housing, their objection is not to the concept itself, but to this location and these residents—a familiar “not in my backyard” position. This is particularly notable given that the University Avenue corridor already includes substantial affordable housing and a visible unsheltered homeless population.
The consequences of rejecting this project extends far beyond the loss of housing units. Doing so would expose Riverside to significant legal liability; undermine revitalization efforts along University Avenue; damage the city’s reputation with state leaders and philanthropic funders; jeopardize future state and federal homelessness funding; and undercut the Big City Mayors Coalition, chaired by Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, by rejecting $20 million dedicated to addressing homelessness
“This decision doesn’t just harm vulnerable seniors and veterans,” advocates say. “It violates the public trust and signals that Riverside is unwilling to lead on one of the most urgent challenges facing our state.”
Community members are urging residents to contact their council members, attend upcoming City Council meetings, and speak out publicly in support of the project.
Riverside still has a choice—to act with compassion, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to public safety—but the window to do so is closing rapidly.