County opens HUD allocations public hearing; nonprofits urge funding for shelters, rehab and services

Riverside County opened a public hearing on April 28 to solicit public input on community development and homelessness funding from HUD (CDBG, ESG and HOME) for the 2026–27 program year.

Housing & Workforce Solutions deputy director Juan Garcia told the board the county expects approximately $7.2 million in CDBG funds, $623,000 in ESG funds and $2.1 million in HOME funding. Staff said the county received dozens of proposals and will return to the board in July to finalize allocations and the action plan due to HUD.

During the hearing representatives from dozens of nonprofits and community organizations spoke in favor of proposals that would fund emergency shelter operations, permanent supportive housing, anti‑displacement measures, mobile‑home park infrastructure, youth and senior services, and school visit scholarships. Speakers included Jewish Family Service, Valley Restart Shelter, Fair Housing Council of Riverside County, Voices for Children (CASA), the Living Desert, Boys & Girls Clubs, NORA (victim services), Operation Safe House and others. Many speakers tied funding requests to preserving existing affordable housing, supporting transitional youth shelters, and providing direct services such as case management and utilities.

Staff said they will meet with district offices and return with final recommendations in July and that three written comments submitted for the record will be included.

Why it matters: the allocation process determines how federal block grants will be distributed across services for homelessness prevention, emergency shelter and community development projects countywide. Nonprofit speakers said investments in preservation and infrastructure are critical to avoiding displacement in vulnerable communities such as the East Coachella Valley.

What’s next: staff will schedule follow‑up meetings and return with an action plan for board approval in July.