As more people find their way to emergency cooling centers this summer in the western Coachella Valley, supplies are needed to meet their clothing and other daily needs.
Since July 1, three centers have offered an overnight refuge from the dangerously hot desert heat to people experiencing homelessness in Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs and Palm Springs. Set up through the collaborative efforts of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, Riverside County and the respective cities, the centers are expected to remain open throughout the summer with staffing support from the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission.
Center occupants receive supportive services as well as basic supplies, which continually need to be replenished. Donations of the following are being accepted:
- Hotel or travel-size toiletries (soap, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste)
- Gently-used summer clothing and tennis shoes
- Men’s and women’s underwear
- New, white, short socks
- Feminine hygiene products
- Gently-used sun hats or caps
To donate, please contact Mark McGowan, Coachella Valley Rescue Mission Cool Center Manager, at coolcenter@cvrm.org or (760) 895-0742.
The public also can help support the operation of the centers through a special fund established by the Desert Healthcare Foundation. To learn more about the Summer Homeless Survival Fund, please go todhcd.org/homelessfund.
