County selects Dillard for top job combating homelessness

The County of San Bernardino recently announced Marcus Dillard will be the new chief for the County’s Office of Homeless Services.

Dillard, a Marine Corps veteran, has housed more than 900 homeless individuals while with Riverside County’s Project Roomkey program and the March Veterans Village. His prior experience also includes overseeing Riverside’s HUD Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program, the Encampment Resolution Funding program, CalWORKs, and the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention programs.

“I am excited about joining the San Bernardino County team and working with our community partners to develop a comprehensive plan to address homelessness throughout the region,” said Dillard. “My goal is to set a standard for quality public service while also increasing our service capacity.”

Before coming to Riverside County, Dillard worked for the United States Veterans Initiative.

“During my employment with U.S. VETS, I conducted community outreaches in San Bernardino County. I spoke to people who looked just like me, who experienced tremendous success, but became impacted by a life-changing event that traumatized them in such a way that they found themselves surviving on the streets,” said Dillard. “Those stories never left my mind even when I transitioned to Riverside County. When this job opportunity presented itself, things began to line up so clearly that I knew this is where I needed to be.”

Dillard has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from California State University, Fullerton. He is also in the process of completing a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Arizona Global Campus.