Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 2.A
Meeting Date: March 11, 2026
From: Kevin Biersack, Financial Services Director
Title: CVAG CV Housing First Regional Homelessness Program RECOMMENDATION:
This presentation is for informational purposes.
BACKGROUND:
Since 2009, the City of Cathedral City has contributed to the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAGs) regional homelessness programs – first Roy’s Desert Resource Center, and then later programs that evolved into the current CV Housing First initiative.
CVAG has overseen the CV Housing First program since 2017, which has proven successful in helping homeless individuals and families across the Coachella Valley region. In 2021, CVAG transitioned to an in-house program. This change brought about increased responsiveness and capacity in the Coachella Valley, particularly as it pertains to assisting local law enforcement and public health workers with homeless services. The transition to an in-house program also gave CVAG an opportunity to focus its efforts on clients who might not be able to obtain housing assistance elsewhere.
The CV Housing First program uses two primary methods to provide clients with housing solutions: rapid resolution and crisis stabilization units. Rapid Resolution is an urgent, cost- saving solution staff uses to help overcome the barriers that keep people from obtaining housing. This could include options such as helping them secure their identifying paperwork, which then can help them qualify for benefits. It also includes sorting out the process for housing, medical, mental health, substance abuse, employment, and mainstream benefits.
At the same time, CVAG continues to use the Crisis Stabilization Units to connect individuals to housing. These are apartments and hotel rooms where clients stay, generally up to 90 days, providing shelter and keeping them off the streets. Through case management and frequent interactions with the team, CVAG is helping achieve the goal of permanent housing, housing programs, and family reunifications.
Since the program’s inception, Cathedral City has participated as a funding partner in the program along with the other Coachella Valley cities. Under the latest three-year agreement, the City of Cathedral City is contributing $125,000 this year to the CV Housing First program, with cost of living increases allowed in future years.
DISCUSSION:
As the Housing First program relates to Cathedral City, CVAG would like to share with City Council specific data and results in how the CV Housing First program is benefiting the City of Cathedral City and our residents.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal F - EMBRACING, INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
Objective: Cathedral City is valued and respected as a community that welcomes and embraces diversity, has an abundance of high quality and affordable housing options, and vibrant businesses. Our neighborhoods are attractive, well-maintained, and issues surrounding homelessness have been compassionately addressed with thoughtful, coordinated, and collaborative programs.
ATTACHMENTS:
None