City of Riverside issued the following announcement on Nov. 19.
Individuals experiencing homelessness in Riverside will have the opportunity to earn money working on cleanups and other projects as part of a new program being created through a partnership between the City of Riverside, the Salvation Army and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“Our neighbors without homes need a way back into the workforce as they start on the path to self-sufficiency,” Mayor Rusty Bailey said. “This program will help them demonstrate their willingness to do the work and make the changes necessary for personal and community success.”
The program, called First Impressions, is funded by private donors and received a generous donation of $50,000 from Molina Healthcare of California. City officials and program proponents gathered for a brief press conference today to receive the check and outline the program’s goals.
“Molina is pleased to contribute to such a worthy program that will complement our long-standing relationship with the Salvation Army, where we sponsor a Molina Closet that provides hygiene items to unsheltered individuals,” said John Kotal, Plan President at Molina Healthcare of California. “By working together to support our most vulnerable neighbors and connect them with the services and support they need, we collectively improve the health and success of our entire community.”
First Impressions will provide homeless individuals with paid work, job training and case management. It was started locally by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Salvation Army.
The program will pair homeless individuals with a case manager to teach them job skills and help them rebuild their lives. Participants will be engaged in public works projects, such as cleaning freeway offramps and other roadways.
“Our church started these efforts in response to Mayor Bailey’s challenge to our faith community to serve our least, last and lost,” said John Plocher, representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “We agree with Mayor Bailey that taking care of our most vulnerable is our Biblical and moral imperative.”
For the latest information and resources regarding COVID-19 -- www.RiversideCA.gov/COVID-19
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