Cathedral City to Consider Increased Funding for Valley Homeless Services

Cathedral City leaders will consider a major funding increase for regional homeless services at their city council meeting Tuesday. The proposed commitment would allocate $375,000 over the next three years to the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) to continue operating the CV Housing First program within city limits.

The valley-wide program, which offers housing and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness, has relied on a flat $100,000 annual contribution from each participating city for the past 15 years. But according to a city staff report, that rate has not kept pace with rising operational costs.

Inflation and expanded service demands have caused the program to run at a deficit, prompting CVAG to request increased financial contributions from all Coachella Valley cities.

If approved, Cathedral City would pay $125,000 per year through 2027, helping to keep CV Housing First running in the face of growing regional homelessness concerns.

The city council is expected to review the funding proposal and hear public comment at their scheduled meeting.

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