Homeless Outreach

At the City of Lake Elsinore, we are dedicated to supporting our community members facing homelessness. Our comprehensive approach includes outreach, prevention, and resources designed to provide assistance and foster long-term solutions.

Learn More Through Our Documentary

When Help Is Not Enough: The Unseen Struggles of Homelessness takes a closer look at the realities faced by people experiencing homelessness in Lake Elsinore. The film shares personal stories from our community and highlights the resilience of those working to rebuild their lives.

We encourage you to watch the documentary, reflect on the experiences shared, and join us in supporting solutions that make a lasting difference.

Homeless Resources 

The City of Lake Elsinore maintains a list of resources available for those in need who are seeking to end their homelessness and/or to prevent homelessness. See some known available resources that are eager to help. The documents and links on this page may also prove helpful.

If you serve or know of any organizations that serve those in need in our community and would like to be included in our resource list, please email the City.

If you are seeking help and looking for someone to give you a hand up and out of homelessness, please call City Net at (951) 390-3567.

Outreach Efforts

Our outreach programs are designed to connect individuals and families experiencing homelessness with the resources they need.

Homeless Task Force

On May 23, 2017, the City Council approved the creation of Homeless Task Force to further the City's efforts to address homelessness. The Homeless Task Force is a working group of key community leaders eager to join the City in its efforts to reduce homelessness in our community.

Key Strategic Objectives:

  • Assess our homeless population to identify our needs and a targeted program to provide the support and assistance needed to get these folks off the streets.
  • Communication and outreach program to educate residents, businesses, and the community to be a part of the solution.
  • Create Community Collaborative to create connections amongst organizations and educate non-profits, faith-based organizations and others about how best to serve and help the homeless.
  • Assess existing resources and conduct gap analysis for available local services and programs.
  • Review, assess and create best practices for encampment cleanups.
  • Review and update existing municipal codes regarding homelessness and solicitation. This includes identifying new municipal codes related to homeless prevention such as Donation Bins, Recycling Centers, etc.
  • Develop programs or services by the City to help reduce homelessness such as citations, family reunification, etc.
  • Compare and coordinate with other cities to ensure consistent efforts across boundaries.
  • Clarify the city's role and policies that can assist with homelessness in the long term, including development standards, affordable housing policies and regional efforts.
  • Begin to create a local Housing Crisis and Response Team that aligns with the principles of Housing First.

Upcoming Homeless Taskforce Meetings: If you would like to be included on our email list, please email us here.

Engaging Local Businesses

Businesses play a crucial role in tackling homelessness within our community. By partnering with us, local businesses can contribute to meaningful change and support our shared goals. 

Responsible Compassion Campaign

One way you can help is by practicing Responsible Compassion and give a hand up not a handout. This is a practice many other cities are adopting the encourages the community to help not hurt the homeless by truly making a difference for them rather than enabling them to continue to live on the streets.