Finding Your Way Home: Housing and Emergency Resources for Riverside and San Bernardino Counties 

Community EngagementBlog

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Navigating housing challenges can feel overwhelming, especially during an unexpected emergency or life transition. At Inland Regional Center (IRC), we understand that safe and stable housing is essential to living a healthy, independent, and fulfilling life. 

If you or a family member receiving services through Inland Regional Center is experiencing housing insecurity, homelessness, or an urgent need for shelter in Riverside or San Bernardino County, resources are available. While IRC does not provide housing directly, we can help connect individuals and families to local agencies, housing programs, and community partners that may be able to assist. 

Below is a guide to housing and emergency assistance resources available throughout our service area:

 Riverside County Resources 

  • Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) 

Riverside County DPSS provides a variety of programs designed to help individuals and families facing housing crises. Services may include emergency shelter referrals, temporary housing assistance, hotel or motel vouchers for eligible participants, and homelessness prevention programs. 

Website: Riverside County DPSS Housing Services : Housing Help | Riverside County Department of Public Social Services 

How to Access:
If you are experiencing an immediate housing emergency, contact the HomeConnect Program at 1-800-498-8847 to begin the assessment process and explore available shelter and housing options. 

  • Housing Authority of the County of Riverside (HACR) 

The Housing Authority administers affordable housing programs throughout Riverside County, including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and affordable rental housing opportunities. 

Website: Housing Authority of the County of Riverside: Home | Housing Authority of the County of Riverside 

How to Access:
Call (951) 351-0700 for information regarding housing programs, eligibility requirements, and waiting lists. 

  • 211 Community Connect  

211 provides free, confidential information and referrals 24 hours a day. Specialists can connect residents to emergency shelters, food assistance, utility support, mental health services, and housing resources based on their location and needs. 

How to Access:
Dial 2-1-1 from any phone or visit the 211 website: Inland SoCal 211: Serving Riverside & San Bernardino Counties — Inland SoCal United Way. 

San Bernardino County Resources 

  • San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership 

The San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership coordinates the county’s homeless assistance system through its Coordinated Entry System (CES), helping individuals and families access emergency shelters, rapid rehousing programs, and other housing-related services. 

Website: San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership: Homeless Partnership – Focusing on a sustainable system for housing and homeless prevention 

How to Access:
Call 2-1-1 to speak with a housing specialist who can assess your situation and connect you to available services. 

  • Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino (HACSB) 

HACSB provides affordable housing opportunities and administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program throughout San Bernardino County. 

Website: Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino: Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino 

How to Access:
Contact (909) 890-0644 for information about affordable housing programs, voucher waitlists, and eligibility requirements. 

Community Partners Serving Both Counties 

  • The Salvation Army – Inland Empire 

The Salvation Army offers emergency shelter, transitional housing programs, utility assistance, food support, and case management services throughout the Inland Empire. 

Website: The Salvation Army Inland Empire: Inland Empire 

How to Access:
Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) to locate the nearest service center and learn about available assistance. 

  • Catholic Charities of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties 

Catholic Charities provides housing stabilization services, rental assistance programs, emergency financial assistance, and family support services to individuals and families in crisis. 

Website: Catholic Charities San Bernardino & Riverside Counties 

How to Access:
Call (909) 388-1240 to connect with intake staff and discuss available assistance programs. 

 

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How Inland Regional Center Can Help 

While housing resources and eligibility requirements can sometimes be difficult to navigate, you do not have to do it alone. Inland Regional Center is committed to helping individuals served by IRC and their families connect with community resources that promote stability and independence. 

If you are an IRC client, family member, service provider, or community partner seeking information about housing resources in Riverside or San Bernardino County, please reach out. 

REMEMBER: You should contact your Consumer Services Coordinator (CSC) to discuss your needs. 

If you don’t have your CSCs, contact information, You may connect with the IRC Community Engagement Team at:  

[email protected]

Our team can help connect you with local resources, provide information about community supports, and guide you toward organizations that may be able to assist with your specific housing needs. 

We Are Here to Support You 

Every housing journey is unique, and finding the right resources can take time. Whether you are facing an immediate housing crisis or planning for long-term stability, help is available throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. 

At Inland Regional Center, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live safely, independently, and with dignity. If you need assistance locating resources, please reach out—we are here to help connect you with the support you need. 

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Community Engagement

Inland Regional Center's Community Engagement Unit can be reached at [email protected]

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