RivCo plans to provide $7 million in funding toward Palm Springs homeless navigation center

Riverside County would provide up to $5.9 million to buy the property located on 3589 McCarthy Road in Palm Springs to use as a homeless navigation center.

The county would also fund up to $1.1 million toward renovations of the facility, which was discussed on Thursday at the Palm Springs City Council meeting. 

“The County’s qualifications and experience with building and operating residential properties. They provided healthcare and behavioral health service. And all this increases the amount of points the county application may receive,” said the city's Director of Community & Economic Development, Jay Virata.

The city estimates it will need to spend up to $13 million to make this vision a reality.

The city council unanimously approved a resolution allowing Palm Springs and the county to enter a joint application to apply for up to $50 million from the state's Homekey program, which helps provide housing for the homeless.

“In reality, the request may be more like $25 million and the award should we get it, and we’re crossing our fingers, maybe even half of that," Virata added, "That is to go toward the build out.”

If approved, Palm Springs would provide $5.3 million in funds from a state grant they received in June 2020 to address homelessness. That funding would go toward the navigation center's construction and operations over the the next 9 years.

“The County funds are good for acquisition," said City Manager Justin Clifton, "If we can get these Homekey 2 funds for some of the construction build out that would leave some funds for operations.”

In November, the council voted 4-1 to authorize the purchase of the site and three buildings, just west of north Indian Canyon Drive.

However, residents and local businesses near then site have expressed concern with the center's location on McCarthy road.

The city is currently in escrow to purchase the property, and is expected to bring forward an agreement with the county for council approval on January 27th.