Local shelters provide resources for homeless people during cold months
The most recent Riverside County study shows its unsheltered population is growing. Right now, there are around 3,300 unhoused people, up 12% from last year. Only about 1,200 are currently living in shelters and the rest are on the streets.
According to Martha's Village and Kitchen, on any given night in the Coachella Valley, there are 1,000 homeless people.
The cold winter months can be dangerous and even deadly for people living on the streets so several local organizations are stepping in to provide them with a safe place to stay.
Martha's Village and Kitchen provides places to go year-round, especially in difficult weather situations.
“For the winter, we did open up our winter shelter. It opened up December 18,” said Alejandra Diaz, director of programs and operations at Martha’s Village.
The Palm Springs Access Center at 225 El Cielo Drive is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
People can come here to warm up, charge their devices, or use the restroom. They also have hot showers available to those who need them.
“We have 20 beds, clients can come over, check in at 4:00 and we do provide them with a cot somewhere to sleep, dinner, and breakfast," Diaz said.
The beds are available on a first-come first-serve basis.
Other shelters, including the brand new “Hub Center” that just opened up at 66-753 Hacienda Avenue in Desert Hot Springs. It provides similar services, they have 26 beds available overnight.
Martha’s Village and Kitchen's main building on Date Avenue in Indio has around 130 beds. The organization runs the three shelters and also provides additional services to find both jobs and permanent housing.
“They can come and see case management. If they need clothing vouchers, We have vouchers. We also offer help with job searching and resumes, because we have employment specialists,” Diaz said.
You can get hypothermia from being outside in temperatures as high as 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. And it really can happen to anyone.
For a full list of warming centers around Riverside County, visit: https://capriverside.org/warm-centers
Have you downloaded the 'KESQ First Alert' app yet? It's FREE! Click here.
You'll stay up-to-date with the latest weather videos. In addition, be able to monitor the changing conditions from wherever you are!
