The City’s Evolving Response to Homelessness

Over the past several years, the City of Desert Hot Springs has steadily adapted its approach to homelessness in response to evolving state and federal laws, court decisions, and best practices. Legal guidance—particularly at the federal and state level—has emphasized the importance of humane, lawful responses that balance individual rights with the City’s responsibility to protect public health, safety, and quality of life. In alignment with these requirements, the City has moved away from solely enforcement-centered strategies while retaining the authority to enforce laws when necessary.

A Model Grounded in Safety, Wellness, Accountability, and Growth

On September 30, 2024, the City exhausted its Housing and Homelessness Assistance Program (HHAP) funding under the Housing First shelter model. The following day, October 1, 2024, the City entered into a Professional Services Agreement with the Social Work Action Group (SWAG), initiating a strategic shift towards a treatment- and accountability-based approach.

Under this new model, the City eliminated its reliance on overnight shelter operations and instead prioritized immediate interventions, direct placements into detoxification and mental health facilities, and family reunification whenever possible. The HUB was repurposed as a service facilitation center rather than a shelter, reflecting the effectiveness of this new approach.

At the same time, the City established the Critical Response Team (CRT), which integrates Police Officers, Code Enforcement Officers, and SWAG outreach workers into a unified operational framework. This team conducts daily operations in high-impact areas, ensuring that offers of services are accompanied by consistent enforcement of municipal and state laws.

Today, the City operates under the SWAG model, which stands for Safety, Wellness, Accountability, and Growth. This multi-pronged approach involves teams working toward a clear mission: rehabilitation, recovery, personal responsibility, and immediate street intervention to provide care. The approach combines compassionate outreach and access to services with clearly defined expectations for lawful behavior. While the City prioritizes engagement, services, and voluntary compliance, it also enforces local and state laws when individuals engage in criminal activities or violate ordinances, including trespassing, vandalism, drug-related offenses, or threats to public safety.

Under the SWAG framework, enforcement is not eliminated; instead, it is applied strategically and lawfully when necessary to protect residents, businesses, and public spaces. Accountability is a core component of the model, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their housing status, are held to the same legal standards.

CRT

Measurable Progress and Positive Outcomes

Through coordinated outreach, partnerships with service providers, and data-informed decision-making, the City has seen measurable progress. City efforts have resulted in:

  • Increased engagement with unsheltered individuals
  • Swift enforcement action and expedited encampment abatement
  • More referrals to shelter, treatment, and supportive services
  • Clearer accountability through consistent enforcement of laws when violations occur
  • Greater transparency in tracking outcomes and public safety impacts

While homelessness remains a complex challenge, this balanced approach has reduced repeat violations, increased service connections, and strengthened collaboration between outreach teams, law enforcement, and service providers.

Homelessness

First Year Statistics

  • 86 individuals received intensive outreach
  • 66 exited homelessness into treatment, housing, or programs (76.74% success rate)
  • 45 remain stable after their first exit (53.32% retention)
Homelessness

CRT Results

  • Handled 1,600 calls for service, including 900 proactive calls
  • Completed 300+ reports
  • Made 67 felony arrests and 124 misdemeanor arrests
  • Recorded a 27% increase in narcotic-related arrests
Homelessness
Homelessness

Looking Ahead

Desert Hot Springs remains committed to a balanced, lawful, and compassionate response to homelessness. By applying the SWAG model—combining outreach and services with firm, fair enforcement of laws when necessary—the City is working to maintain safe public spaces, uphold community standards, and support pathways toward stability for individuals while protecting the broader community.

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