Riverside County Code Enforcement participated in a multi-agency operation that distributed resources to more than 25 unhoused people in Indio and Mecca, officials said Friday.
The operation, split between different encampments, gave clothing, housing, food stamps and Medi-Cal resources to people at Landfill Road and Dillon Road in unincorporated Indio, under the bridge at 66th Avenue Bypass, and Coahuilla and Third Street in Mecca, according to a county statement.
Units from Riverside County Behavioral Health the Department of Public Social Services were also involved.
“This collaborative approach demonstrates the effectiveness of bringing multiple agencies together to provide direct assistance to our most vulnerable populations,” said Code Enforcement Director Brian Contino.
Code Enforcement located 36 encampments in total, according to the statement.
In addition to opportunities for bed assignments, some of the food, hygiene bags and clothing came from the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission.
“Addressing homelessness requires both enforcement and compassion for people,” Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez said. “By cleaning up encampments while also providing vital services like housing, medical care and other resources, we are working to improve public safety and uplift our most vulnerable residents.”
Officials said they would continue to “monitor the progress of people who accepted benefits and assistance,” in addition to anti-trespassing assurances from property owners in the area.