A Systems-Oriented Approach that Works!

In 2019, before launching the City’s Homeless Strategic Plan, Corona had 164 unsheltered homeless residents. The County’s 2023 Point in Time Count results confirmed that number is now 65 which means we have achieved a 60% reduction in unsheltered homelessness. Since the launch of our Homeless Plan, approximately 99 homeless residents have been connected to shelter, services, and housing.The formula for success is our system’s-oriented approach. The City of Corona developed a transformational system of services including homeless prevention, outreach and engagement, emergency shelter, supportive services, and permanent supportive housing. Taking an A-to-Z approach to address the complex issue of homelessness achieves effective results!

HOMELESS PREVENTION

Our goal is to ensure that those at risk of falling into homelessness have resources and assistance. This safety net approach is key to preventing homelessness. Our tenant-based rental assistance program is one of several strategies that we use to prevent homelessness.

OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT

Balancing compassion and enforcement through multi-disciplinary outreach teams that include our Corona Police Department Homeless Outreach & Psychological Evaluation (HOPE) Team and social workers employed by our contracted partner, City Net. This best practice model facilitates relationships with Corona’s homeless residents through street outreach and engagement for enrollment in case management, supportive services, emergency shelter, and permanent housing programs. City Net also operates the City of Corona’s 25-room per night motel emergency shelter program.

CORONA HARRISON HOPE CENTER

As part of the homeless system of services, Corona’s City Council approved an investment of $3 million to renovate the Harrison HOPE Center. In December 2022, Corona’s City Council approved a partnership with Mercy House Living Centers to operate the City's homeless system of services. Mercy House will operate the following City Programs:Harrison HOPE Center – Shelter/Navigation CenterPost Hospital Recuperative CareTransportation/Meal Services ProgramTenant-Based Rental Assistance ProgramPermanent Supportive Housing Program

SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

The Harrison HOPE Center features an onsite clinic that will provide medical care, mental health and substance use treatment, oral care, and post hospital recuperative care. The clinic services will be provided by Centro Medico Community Clinic. Mercy House will operate the shelter/navigation center and provide case management, life skills training, job development, transportation, pet accommodations, meals, emergency shelter, wrap-around services, housing navigation and permanent housing resources.

PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING

Mercy House will also operate the City’s supportive housing. Through a partnership with the County’s Housing and Workforce Services, project-based vouchers will ensure that Corona’s chronically homeless tenants only pay 30% of their income towards rent. Centro Medico Community Clinic will provide supportive services for all tenants, so they remain stable in a permanent housing environment.

Get Involved

Give Time

Volunteer to help at food/clothing drives, serving meals, or setting-up/tearing down for programs serving Corona’s Homeless Neighbors.

Give Talent

One of the greatest gifts you can give is your talent! Volunteer to be a part of the homeless shelter advisory board or share your professional skills to support Corona’s non-profit partners. (Examples of skills include: CPA, Attorney, Doctor, Nurse, Grant Writer, Pro Bono Professional Skills, Event Organizer, and so much more.)

Give Treasure

Support the City’s Shelter Operations by making a Tax-Deductible Donation to Mercy House. You can lso donate to Mercy House to support the City’s Make it Cozy Home Furnishings Program. This program supports shelter graduates moving into permanent housing. Finally, you can donate to City Net, the operator of our street outreach and motel emergency shelter program. In both cases, be sure to state your donation is specific to programs for the City of Corona.

Learn more: www.TheRoadHome.CoronaCA.gov.‍