Homelessness rates in Desert Hot Springs declines, thanks to new approach
DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - Desert Hot Springs city leaders say they've seen a tremendous improvement in homelessness since working with the Social Action Work Group (SWAG). SWAG takes a treatment-first approach, focusing on the root causes of homelessness.
Blaine Carrillo was unhoused for 15 years and says that getting treatment for his meth addiction, along with mental health support, is what changed his life.
"Once you address your main barriers, that's when everything starts coming together. You start learning how to use coping mechanisms, you start learning how to do your daily necessities," he says. Now he works for SWAG, hoping to change the lives of others.
SWAG co-founder Aaron Petroff has been working with unhoused individuals for 15 years, and says that a treatment-first approach is essential. "I've watched too many people die," Petroff says.
SWAG provided outreach to 86 individuals last year. Among those, 66 individuals entered housing, stability, and treatment programs, making it a 76% success rate. When the city was using a housing-first approach, they had about a 9% success rate.
The City of Desert Hot Springs started working with SWAG in 2024, and have voted to continue working with the organization.
"The message from the council that night was, you know, we see the progress that we're making and we don't want to change anything that is working," says City Manager Doria Wilms.
Under this option, the city will not participate in the CVAG CV-200 program or the partnership with Riverside County, CVAG, and the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission (CVCC) on the Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) Program.
