Supervisors extend contract with Palm Springs treatment facility

RIVERSIDE (CNS) - The Board of Supervisors today approved the extension of a contract, valued at a little over $1 million, with a Palm Springs addiction treatment and homeless assistance facility that has partnered with the Riverside University Health System for the last few years.

In a 5-0 vote without comment, the board signed off on continuation of the agreement with MFI Recovery Center, a non-profit mental health and substance use treatment provider, until June 30, 2027.

MFI has operated The Path at 19531 McLane St. under an agreement with RUHS-Behavioral Health since 2021.

Officials said MFI will continue providing 24-hour services for people who are homeless and have serious mental health disorders, along with simultaneous substance abuse problems, according to documents posted to the board's agenda.

``The facility ... features both residential and non-residential treatment components that provide peer-to-peer engagement and support services in non-intrusive low demand environments,'' according to RUHS. ``The 24-hour residency offers no limit on length of stay, semi-private accommodations and
common use of kitchen facilities, dining rooms and bathrooms that can serve up to 25 consumers, while the non-residential component consists of a drop-in center for those who are chronically homeless.''

The drop-in visitors can procure food and clothing, as well as complete bathroom needs and do laundry.

The board additionally authorized compensation increases of up to 10%, or $105,680, over the duration of the contract, potentially raising the total to $1.16 million.

The county intends to open bidding for potential new treatment center contracts in the current fiscal year. The one-year holdover agreement with MFI will allow time to complete arrangements for a new round of competitive bidding, officials said.