Well in the Desert moves to new location
Homeless people in Palm Springs have a new location where they can go to get services and cool off.
“I come here for a couple of hours and take my time. I take a shower, look for some clothes, I charge my phone, and it’s somewhere to get out of the heat,” said Lisa Trujillo, who has been homeless for almost two months.
The Well in the Desert moved to a new location in an industrial building at 1281 N. Gene Autry Trail.
This new location represents a big upgrade for this nonprofit. It can give people a bite to eat in the morning and a place to get ready for the day.
“We are in a zone that is better served for our people, the bus lines are closer, they have less mileage to walk to get here. We’re more open, we have a lot more space, we have a nicer shower, it’s just really put together,” said Arlene Rosenthal, president of Well in the Desert.
“This place makes people feel comfortable, and they know that they can be received and welcomed and not looked as downcast like many people do when they go to help for places,” said Charlie Paglia, board member for Well in the Desert.
SEE PICTURES FROM THE WELL IN THE DESERT OPEN HOUSE
The city and neighbors created issues for well in the desert in its old location. Management thinks this new facility won’t create any problems.
“We have so much neighborhood support, we have so much public support, when I joined this organization 13 years ago, to see how we were not respected how they didn’t want us in town, and we all have worked very hard to gain the respect of the community,” said Rosenthal.
Along with trying to help people get their lives together, this location provides air conditioning and will serve as a cooling center.
“It is lifesaving, the county has wanted to have a cool center in Palm Springs, and except for the one at the James O. Jesse Unity Center, there isn’t one that is accessible to most of our people, and this is accessible and it will save lives,” said Rosenthal.
Well in the Desert is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. everyday. It’s always looking for donations and volunteers.
