Addressing the Homeless

City of Palm Springs Steps Up to Address Homelessness

Under California law, County government is required to address poverty, mental health, and homelessness in Palm Springs. Unfortunately, the County has not adequately addressed these issues. As a result, the City Council has stepped up with more than $12 million dollars in funding to find permanent solutions that continue to help those in need. Here are some highlights of the City’s efforts since 2016, when the County closed Roy’s Homeless and Resource Center, working with various partners including the Desert Healthcare District, to address homelessness. • 413 individuals provided with permanent housing • 1,281 individuals provided with temporary housing or shelter • 137 individuals received behavioral health or substance abuse treatments.

• 143 individuals became employed • 1,563 individuals provided with mainstream benefits • 368 individuals provided with overnight cool/warm shelter

Finally, the City advocated for and received $10 million in June 2020 to address homelessness from the State’s Housing Homelessness and Assistance Program (HHAP).

Here is a timeline of our actions toward utilizing these funds: · August 2020 City Council approved funding commitment of $3 million to County of Riverside for the Ivy Palm Hotel Project to create 75 new permanent supportive housing units. · December 2020 County of Riverside notified City they were not successful in purchasing Ivy Palm Hotel. · January 2021 City Council subsequently approved funding commitments totaling $6 million for affordable housing projects, including $2.4 million plus land to Agave on Palm Canyon for 71 affordable housing units of which 25 units will be dedicated to housing those experiencing homelessness, and $3.6 million for Vista Sunrise II to create 61 new affordable housing units which include 29 units dedicated to those experiencing homelessness. · January 2021 Gene Autry Site request for proposal issued to affordable and homeless housing developers. HHAP funds may be utilized to assist with creating of homeless services and housing. Proposals are anticipated this month. HHAP funds may also be used as part of a collaborative project with the County to convert a hotel or existing apartment building to permanent supportive housing.

For more information, visit palmspringsca.gov. The following programs and initiatives have been funded:

Two Homeless/Mental Health Crisis Teams

on the ground in Palm Springs.

Well in the Desert funding for drop-in centers for unsheltered individuals.

Palm Springs Boxing Club currently serving as a homeless access center.

Martha’s Village and Kitchen City funds wrap around services.

Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) CV200 Program & CV Housing First

City funds referral services for housing, medical, mental health, substance abuse, and employment assistance along with rapid resolution and crisis stabilization units. In addition, the City funds $100,000 annually to CVAG.

Palm Springs Rental Assistance City funds low-income households who meet the eligibility requirements with one-time rental assistance of $3,500 per household.

Affordable Housing City has funded more than $9 million for new affordable housing projects, including permanent supportive housing, on North Palm Canyon Drive, Sunrise Way, and Indian Canyon Drive.

Food Distribution City funds twice-weekly mobile pantry food distribution at the Palm Springs Convention Center and James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center.