Redlands Considers $78K Grant for Homeless Rehabilitation Program

From the Redlands Police: The City Council on Tuesday will consider acceptance of a $78,000 grant from the Board of State and Community Corrections that will provide funding for the Redlands Police Department to launch a homeless rehabilitation program designed to match participants with housing and other services with the goal to move them toward self-sufficiency.

The Police Department will use a portion of the grant to launch the Community Assistance Program which will pay for transitional housing for qualifying individuals. The remainder of the grant will be used for outreach to at-risk youth.

Participants will receive a needs-assessment screening and an Individualized Support Plan will be crafted. Qualification for the program will be based on the subject’s suitability and risk.

The program will provide housing and connect subjects to resources such as employment and government benefits programs, addiction programs and mental health assistance.

Housing will be provided primarily by two non-profit organizations whose mission is to rehabilitate individuals to the point of self-sufficiency. Each organization offers resources that aid clients in acquiring addiction treatment, health care, employment and necessary documents such as a California driver license and/or identification. Monthly costs for the program are approximately $450 per participant. Funds will also be available to assist companies that hire program participants.

Participants will be required to abide by stipulations, including seeking employment, seeking treatment for addiction or mental health issues, and drug testing. Participants also may be required to attend school.

RPD Community Policing Officers will collaborate with housing providers and other organizations to provide additional resources, such as clothing, applicable entitlement programs, including food stamps, Supplemental Social Security and permanent housing. Officers will also maintain contact with the participants to ensure their successful completion of the program.

City of Redlands press releases and other information are available on the City’s Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/cityofredlands or on the City’s website at www.CityofRedlands.org

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