CVAG announces $1.5 million west valley homeless plan

Homelessness has been a hot topic in the west end of the Coachella Valley, especially after the closure Roy’s Desert Resource Center.

Now, after three months some organizations are partnering up to provide some assistance.

Tuesday, Damien O’Farrell, CEO of Path of Life Ministries and Herb Schultz with the Desert Healthcare District Foundation unveiled a new plan to tackle homelessness in the valley.

“The historic approach to addressing homelessness has been managing homelessness. Providing people maybe a temporary shelter stay, or something along those lines, in hopes of hoping to figure it out on their own. This entire approach is attempting to end homelessness.” O’Farrell said.

Five desert cities, the Desert Healthcare District Foundation, along with the Path of Life Ministries have announced a nearly $1.5 million pledge to the West Valley Housing Navigation Program aimed at helping homeless families.

“We came together and said is there a way we can partner? Given the closure of Roy’s and a number of other things that were happening, where we saw increases in the number of homelessness across the Coachella Valley,” Schultz said.

Palm Springs city leaders said they welcome the new program, after working to house dozens of homeless after Roy’s closing in June.

“All of those folks, I think over 70 got housed. which is terrific and the city has helped house over 150 individuals who were homeless, thanks to new programs we implemented a year ago,” said Palm Springs City Councilmember Geoff Kors.

Desert Hot Springs Police Chief Dale Mondary said his officers have been more active this summer responding to calls related to the homeless.

“The biggest issue for me is the amount of time my officers are spending, dealing with this issue. when we have burglaries that we’re trying to solve, and trespassing issues, and other serious crimes,” Mondary said.

But Mondary and others hope the program addresses the issue across the entire valley.

“I think it is something that we have to address, community-wide and valley-wide. not just placing them in one or two cities. i think everybody has to do their part,” Mondary said.

The five cities that each contributed more than $100,000 to the project include Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and Coachella.

O’Farrell said Desert Hot Springs will be voting on whether to take part in the temporary housing in residential homes next month.

The program is expected to start September 1.