Promoting dignity and humility through access to safe shelter, learning, and lasting personal change.

Sketch of a person climbing a ladder against a wall.

Who is RISE?

The Reno Initiative for Shelter and Equality (RISE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to building a stronger, more compassionate community through equal access to shelter, education, and opportunity in Washoe County. Led by peers with lived experience of substance use and homelessness, we meet people where they are, with compassion, dignity, and community-driven support that opens doors to shelter, healing, and opportunity.

Learn more

CrossRoads Programs

CrossRoads is a Washoe County Human Services Agency (HSA)-funded initiative, led in partnership with RISE. It serves Washoe County residents facing a range of personal challenges through a peer-led, alcohol- and drug-free structured housing program with integrated wraparound supportive services.

To learn about our CrossRoads programs, please select the program links below.

Families CrossRoads: A family-based transitional housing and recovery program to meet the needs of parents and children impacted by substance use.
Women’s CrossRoads: Empowers women to rebuild their lives and re-enter the community with stability and purpose.
Women & Children’s CrossRoads: We embrace both mothers and women without children on their journey to recovery and stability.
Men’s CrossRoads: A recovery-focused, supportive living program that provides housing, structure, and accountability for behavior change and substance use.

A group of people huddled together with their hands stacked in the center, symbolizing teamwork or unity.

More RISE Programs

Street-Based Outreach

Community Engagement Project (CEP) team provides community-based support for people experiencing homelessness through peer-led, person-first, relationship-focused outreach. Our mission is meeting individuals where they are and building pathways toward stability.

Volunteer workers distributing supplies to a person at a donation event, with boxes labeled 'Medicine' in the background.

A person's hand holding a small plastic nasal spray bottle designed to look like a prescription medication bottle, with the label reading 'NARCAN NASAL SPRAY 4 mg'.

Overdose Prevention

Our Building Communities of Support (BCOS) team provides overdose prevention resources, supplies, education, and outreach to people who use drugs or are in recovery in Washoe County.

One Truckee River Workforce Development

Through One Truckee River (OTR) and Nevada Division of Forestry, this program trains individuals facing employment barriers in tree care, urban forestry, and biodiversity. The program focuses on reestablishing native trees along the Truckee River Corridor.

Person planting or tending to small plants near a rocky stream in a mountainous area.

Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB) at RISE

This effort centers community voice in leadership, policy development, and advocacy across local and regional systems. Learn more about our LEAB by clicking the button below.

Learn more