Program in Riverside gives homeless people paid work

Riverside’s homeless population will have a chance to earn money in a program sponsored by the city, the Salvation Army, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

First Impressions is being paid for by private donations, including $50,000 from Molina Healthcare of California, according to a statement on the city’s website.

The program will work on cleanups and other projects around Riverside. It will provide local homeless people with job training, paid work, and a case manager to teach them job skills.

Participants will clean freeway offramps and other rights-of-ways, according to the statement.

“Our neighbors without homes need a way back into the workforce as they start on the path to self-sufficiency,” Mayor Rusty Bailey said in the statement. “This program will help them demonstrate their willingness to do the work and make the changes necessary for personal and community success.”