City of Palm Springs struggles with growing homeless issues
More homeless people are becoming a part of the city’s ambiance, a challenge to residents and city hall.
Many residents say it’s only getting worse.
“I think it’s kind of ridiculous,” said Dawn Alfrey, of Palm Springs, “because you can’t even take your kids to hang out here at the park.”
They’re just about everywhere– people living in city parks, on the streets, open fields and just about anywhere else they can find a place to put their stuff.
At any time, officials say an estimated 200-homeless people are scattered throughout the city.
Residents and City Hall have struggled for years for meaningful solutions.
“We have ‘Well in the Desert.’ We have ‘Roy’s Resource Center.’ We have the ‘path,'” said Barron Lane of the Palm Springs Police Department. “We have a number of non governmental organizations and churches that help the homeless. Because of that, it’s made our city very popular with the homeless,” Lane added.
Lane is assigned to work with the homeless by connecting them with resources if they’re willing. Otherwise he keeps them on the move and off properties when complaints come in.
He knows he can only do so much— and knows all the regulars.
We will have more coverage on the Palm Springs homeless issue today starting at 5:00 p.m. on KESQ News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 News with complete reports detailing both the problems and possible solutions being put into place.
We hope you’ll join us.
