Riverside officials have implemented a new ordinance making it illegal to drop off homeless individuals from other regions in the city without a 24-hour notice.
The ordinance, adopted on June 9, aims to ensure that resources are in place to support those in need. It requires hospitals, homeless nonprofits, and government agencies to notify the city through an online form before transporting unhoused individuals into Riverside.
Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson emphasized the importance of coordination, stating that it costs about $63,000 to stabilize one unsheltered person. The ordinance does not criminalize homelessness or restrict charitable acts by nonprofits. Violators will receive a warning for the first offense, with potential fines and cost recovery for subsequent violations.
The city, serving as a regional hub, often attracts unhoused individuals seeking services. Officials hope the ordinance will help manage resources effectively and identify the origins of those transported into Riverside. The ordinance, which does not apply to individuals traveling on their own, is part of Riverside’s broader efforts to address homelessness.
For more details, visit the city’s official website.
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