People evicted from Coachella encampment reach out to CVRM for shelter

It has been about a month since dozens of homeless people were evicted from an encampment off Highway 86 in Coachella. Many of those folks, who were given 30-day hotel vouchers, are now finding themselves knocking on the doors of the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission for shelter.

The facility is at full capacity, employees said they are actually running out of basic necessities like towels, bed sheets, and toiletries. They are asking for the community’s help as they prepare for their ’90 Days of Summer Relief’ outreach program.

“The summer program is every Thursday in June, July, and August and we need a lot of bottled water and wrapped snacks,” said Mercedes Coronado, manager of the CVRM.

Coronado said the program starts at the end of the week. Employees will be driving through the valley offering water, food, personal hygiene products and shelter to those who need relief from the summer heat.

In addition to the rescue mission’s high demand for services these next three months, homeless people who were once living in an encampment off highway 86 in Coachella are now turning to the shelter for help. Dozens who were evicted at the beginning of this month accepted 30-day hotel vouchers but their time is up and employees at the mission are seeing the impacts.

“Everyone of them will be put into housing of some type, no one will be without a roof over their heads,” said Darla Burkett, executive director of the CVRM.

“There’s more clients to us. more people. so we need more help from the community,” Coronado said.

From food and water to linens and toiletries, the CVRM is working to meet the demand with help from local partners and those willing to donate.

The CVRM relies heavily on donations from the community. Right now, monetary donations are being doubled with help from partners promising to match donations made tonight and into tomorrow. If you would like to donate, click here.