Code Enforcement and agency partners address homeless encampments and provide services for unhoused people in Indio and Mecca
February 28, 2025
More than 25 unhoused people at three different encampments in unincorporated Indio and Mecca received clothing, housing, food stamps and Medi-Cal resources, along with food for their pets during a multi-agency operation led Tuesday by Riverside County Code Enforcement.
Two units from Riverside County Behavioral Health the Department of Public Social Services, and other county partners teamed up with Code Enforcement to assist people at Landfill Road and Dillon Road in unincorporated Indio, under the bridge at 66th Avenue Bypass, and Coahuilla and 3rd Street in Mecca.
“This collaborative approach demonstrates the effectiveness of bringing multiple agencies together to provide direct assistance to our most vulnerable populations,” said Code Enforcement Director Brian Contino. “Code Enforcement’s dedication, alongside these critical partnerships, continues to make a real difference in connecting individuals to resources that improve their quality of life.”
Code Enforcement found a total of 36 encampments at the three locations. The operation was led by Code Enforcement’s Combustible Material Task Force (CMTF) because these encampments can pose a fire hazard to the community.
Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez provided funding for Code Enforcement’s CMTF to improve public safety and public health in the district.
“Addressing homelessness requires both enforcement and compassion for people. By cleaning up encampments while also providing vital services like housing, medical care, and other resources, we are working to improve public safety and uplift our most vulnerable residents,” Perez said. “These collaborative efforts ensure that people in need receive help to rebuild their lives while keeping our communities safe and clean.”
Along with housing and rehabilitation resources, people at the encampments were provided with food, hygiene bags and clothing from the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, in addition to the opportunity to be assigned a bed
Agencies will monitor the progress of people who accepted benefits and assistance, and Code Enforcement and the Sheriff’s Department will work with the owners of the properties where the encampments were found to secure the area from trespassing and clean them up.
