Hemet City shifts homeless services in-house with new outreach strategy

The Hemet City Council convened on June 10, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding homelessness in the city. The meeting focused on a strategic shift in the approach to homeless services for the upcoming fiscal year, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and sustainable solutions.

The discussion began with an acknowledgment of the city's ongoing budget constraints and the critical role that City Net has played in providing immediate support to the homeless population since the city entered into an agreement with them in December 2021. However, the council proposed not renewing the City Net contract, which is set to expire on June 30, 2025. This decision reflects a transition towards managing homeless outreach services in-house under the supervision of the Hemet Police Department.

Key recommendations included the approval of a new outreach and engagement specialist position dedicated to direct case management and outreach efforts. This position will operate within the Active Engagement Response Outreach Team (ARRW) of the Hemet Police Department. The aim is to enhance collaboration among city departments, improve data tracking, and provide more effective care for the unsheltered population.

Recent data from a point-in-time homeless count indicated a decrease in unsheltered individuals in Hemet, with 138 counted in January 2025, down from 207 in January 2023. The total count, including sheltered individuals, was reported at 322. The city manager and police chief emphasized the need to eliminate reliance on temporary motel housing and instead focus on more sustainable housing solutions.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to building a more effective system for addressing homelessness in Hemet, with plans to further develop partnerships and resources to support the city's most vulnerable citizens. The council's next steps will involve finalizing the budget and implementing the proposed changes to the homeless services framework.