Homeless seek shelter from rain

The three series of winter storms to hit southern California are almost over and on Sunday dozens of homeless people are seeking shelter. The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission said they expect to reach full capacity Sunday night. Charles Martin, a manager at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, said winter is its’ busiest time of year. “During the rainy time it gets pretty busy. We have a lot of people that come off the streets. They’ll come in soaked. We’ll wash the clothing and give them an exchange of new clothing,” Martin said. Aside from housing more than 150 people through the mission’s rehabilitation programs, the center houses an additional 75 people in their emergency overnight shelter. But this weekend even more were in need of a dry place. “We try not to deny anybody, especially when it’s raining. We provide them with sleeping bags, blankets, warmer clothing, jackets, sweatshirts and so on,” Martin added. Donations are crucial to the facility’s operations. Click here to find out how you can volunteer or make donations.