Fontana, CA — The City of Fontana has unveiled a sweeping new initiative to address homelessness, launching a comprehensive four-year action plan that city leaders say will transform how the community supports its most vulnerable residents.
The “Homeless Solutions Action Plan 2024–2028” aims to make homelessness in Fontana rare, brief and non-recurring. The plan was developed collaboratively with city departments, law enforcement, nonprofit and faith-based organizations, and builds on years of groundwork in prevention, rapid rehousing and social services.
“Homelessness affects more than just those without shelter — it impacts our whole community,” said Mayor Acquanetta Warren in a statement. “Our goal is to address root causes and build long-term solutions through compassion, accountability, and collaboration.”
The plan outlines three primary areas of focus: enhancing the service network, expanding critical support services, and increasing housing capacity. These pillars are supported by a detailed timeline of initiatives, many of which have already begun rolling out.
Among the early milestones are the creation of a Mayor’s Council on Homelessness to unify service providers, a public-facing online resource portal, and the development of a centralized database to track individual cases and outcomes.
City Manager Matt Ballantyne emphasized the plan’s emphasis on serving residents with deep ties to Fontana.
“While we support regional efforts, our primary responsibility is to those who live and work in our city,” he said. “Our approach balances compassion with accountability to ensure both safety and effectiveness.”
The urgency of the initiative is underscored by a 25% increase in homelessness over the past year. According to the 2024 Point-In-Time Count, 301 individuals were experiencing homelessness in Fontana — up from 240 in 2023. Of those, 260 were unsheltered.
The Fontana Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Support Team (HOST) plays a crucial role in the plan’s implementation. In 2024, HOST responded to over 7,000 calls and recorded 842 interactions with unhoused individuals. The department’s outreach, along with partnerships with organizations like Water of Life Church’s CityLink center, provides services ranging from food and clothing to medical care and housing assistance.
New infrastructure is also central to the city’s strategy. Fontana recently acquired a hotel to convert into transitional housing and is planning the construction of a 24-hour managed care navigation center and additional permanent supportive housing units. Funding for these projects is being pursued through state, federal and local sources.
“We are working to secure resources without impacting existing city operations,” Ballantyne said. “This includes case management, addiction recovery, job training, and family reunification services.”
In line with California’s Housing First policies, the plan calls for rapid placement into permanent housing, but adds its own layer of accountability by requiring participation in support programs to maintain housing eligibility. Officials say this balanced approach addresses long-term sustainability and avoids creating dependency.
Social equity also plays a significant role. With 73% of Fontana’s population identifying as Hispanic and a large number of residents being foreign-born or speaking a language other than English at home, the city is taking steps to ensure homelessness response efforts are culturally sensitive and inclusive.
The plan also supports implementation of state programs like Laura’s Law and Care Court to assist individuals suffering from severe mental illness, advocating for court-mandated outpatient treatment and increased oversight through conservatorships.
Community engagement is another focal point. Regular public education campaigns and feedback sessions are planned to ensure residents understand how to access services and participate in solutions.
“We are holding ourselves and our partners accountable,” said Mayor Warren. “This is not just a handout — it’s a hand-up. With real-time data and targeted strategies, we can create a safer, healthier, and more inclusive Fontana.”
With a clear blueprint and strong support from city leadership, Fontana is positioning itself as a model for cities across California seeking sustainable ways to reduce homelessness while maintaining community stability.
