Board backs county partnership with Vet Phoenix for justice‑involved veterans reentry program

Riverside County supervisors approved a county-administered veterans reentry program partnering with Vet Phoenix, a nonprofit founded by formerly incarcerated veterans, to serve justice‑involved veterans returning to the community.

The board approved the agreement 4-0. County staff said the program, funded through the Board of State and Community Corrections, combines county administrative services with Vet Phoenix’s peer-support and reentry housing model. "Vet Phoenix is a non profit founded by formerly incarcerated veterans... they bring something to the table that we can't often bring, that lived experience," said the Veterans Services director during the presentation.

Staff described a two‑part structure: county administration and expanded direct services for in‑jail outreach, benefits assistance and referrals; and grassroots peer support and reentry housing provided by Vet Phoenix. Officials said the partnership aims to ensure justice‑involved veterans receive sustained support — not just referrals — including housing, behavioral health, benefits navigation and vocational help.

According to staff, since April the county has enrolled "just over 65 veterans" in the program and has housed "just over 20 veterans"; those figures were cited before Vet Phoenix began direct service delivery. The director said the program is intended to reduce recidivism by stabilizing housing and providing mentorship and employment support.

Supervisors endorsed integrating the program into upcoming regional justice and reentry events and requested coordination with local workforce partners for job placement and vocational training. The board approved the recommended partnership and grant acceptance, 4-0.