Cal State Students Launch Community Drive for Riverside's Homeless Youth

Cal State San Bernardino social work students have mobilized to address youth homelessness in Riverside, launching a donation drive that seeks clothing, hygiene products and cookware for young people transitioning out of foster care or unstable housing.

The project, led by student Kendra Carrillo and three classmates as part of their social welfare course, partnered with Operation SafeHouse at 9685 Hayes St. to collect essentials for transitional youth experiencing homelessness.

"Transitional youth facing homelessness in Riverside are not just in crisis; they are at a crossroads. When we invest in youth through shelter, education, healthcare, and basic essentials, we reduce long-term public costs and build a safer, more compassionate Riverside."

Research Reveals Community Concern

The students' research underscores significant gaps in local services. Surveys conducted by the group asked Riverside residents to rate their satisfaction with youth-specific services on a scale of 1-5. Of the 10 surveys collected, respondents rated most questions with ones and twos, indicating low satisfaction with available youth shelters and affordable housing options.

The findings align with data from Riverside's health system showing homelessness (59.2%) and high housing costs (50.7%) as top social concerns, according to the students' email.

Partnership with Operation SafeHouse

Operation SafeHouse, which has served Riverside's at-risk youth since 1990, welcomed the student initiative as demand for services rises. The organization currently serves 21 youth in its transitional living programs and provides services to 400 youth annually through emergency shelters and transitional housing.

"The demand for services has begun to rise again after a decline during the COVID pandemic," said Rainbow Marler, Street Outreach Director, and Sandra Dunn, Main STAY/Transitional Living Program Director.

According to Marler and Dunn, the most urgent needs for transitional youth are:

• Appropriate clothing for job searching
• Bus passes
• Food gift cards

Understanding the Need

The students' project highlights a vulnerable population often overlooked in the community. According to Operation SafeHouse data:

• Approximately 30% of youth served are aging out of foster care
• Growing numbers were never in the dependency system
• Many fled abuse or were forced out due to financial hardship
• The Street Outreach Program is currently working with 43 transitional aged youth seeking placement

"Many families are facing significant economic challenges, struggling to meet even basic needs, and are now seeking comprehensive support services for the entire household," Marler and Dunn said.

Making a Difference

The student-led initiative comes at a critical time. While Riverside achieved "functional zero" status for youth homelessness earlier this year—meaning the number of homeless youth is lower than the community's capacity to provide services—the need for community support remains vital.

"Together, let's show Riverside's youth that they are not invisible and that this community cares," Carrillo urged in her call to action.

How to Help

Riverside residents can support the students' donation drive by dropping off new or gently used items at Operation SafeHouse, 9685 Hayes St., Riverside, CA 92503.

For questions about the donation drive, contact: donationcenter221@gmail.com

The drive accepts clothing, shoes, hygiene products and cookware—items that can make an immediate difference in a young person's life as they work toward stability and independence.