Coachella Valley homeless battling colder temperatures, encampment ban issues

As the Coachella Valley's temperatures drop into freezing conditions overnight, the region's unhoused population is often left to fend for themselves against the elements.

But following the city of Palm Spring's encampment ban, it's now illegal for homeless individuals to sleep on the street if shelter beds are available.

The ordinance was passed in July with hopes of clearing encampments and connecting unhoused residents with resources, rather than criminalizing those on the streets.

Lt. William Hutchinson says his department has taken a nuanced approach to the measure by building trust with the population in hopes of guiding them towards help.

Nearly 120 homeless arrests were reported in November, but Hutchinson says less than 5 of those were anti-camping crimes.