Temescal Valley, CA – Second District Supervisor Karen Spiegel proudly hosted the Annual Homeless Symposium on February 29, 2024, at the Terramor Terrace Club in Temescal Valley. The event, a cornerstone for collaborative discussions on homelessness solutions within the Second District, was facilitated by Heidi Marshall, the esteemed Director of Housing & Workforce Solutions.
The symposium brought together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders from various departments, including Riverside University Health Systems – Behavioral Health, Adult Protective Services, Housing & Workforce Solutions, and Riverside County Regional Parks & Open Space District. Their contributions were instrumental in fostering a comprehensive dialogue on the multifaceted issue of homelessness.
Deputy Director of Housing & Workforce Solutions, Tanya Torno, provided a pivotal presentation, sharing crucial data and insights on the county’s current homelessness challenges and initiatives. The event also featured voices from the cities of Corona, Norco, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Lake Elsinore, and Canyon Lake, further emphasizing the symposium’s inclusive and collaborative approach.
The roundtable discussion, a highlight of the event, saw engaging contributions from Behavioral Health’s Dr. Matthew Chang, Regional Park & Open Space District’s Christian Sanchez, Adult Services’ Barry Dewing, and Housing & Workforce Solutions’ Greg Rodriguez. This discussion allowed for a deep dive into the various aspects of homelessness, from mental health to housing solutions, showcasing the district’s holistic approach to addressing this critical issue.
The symposium concluded with an insightful recap and closing remarks from Michael Walsh of Housing & Workforce Solutions, encapsulating the day’s discussions, and setting a forward-looking tone for continued action and collaboration.
“Our Annual Homeless Symposium has once again highlighted the critical importance of coming together as a community to address one of the most pressing issues of our time,” says Supervisor Spiegel. “I am deeply grateful for the invaluable contributions from our dedicated departments, as well as the active participation of the cities of our district. Their insights and collaborative spirit are instrumental in paving the way toward sustainable solutions for homelessness. We are creating a roadmap for change and hope in our district.”
The Second District’s Annual Homeless Symposium stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to finding innovative and sustainable solutions to homelessness. Through collaborative efforts and shared knowledge, the district continues to make strides toward creating a future where every individual has access to safe and stable housing.
