Palm Springs Announces 63% Homelessness Decrease

PALM SPRINGS (CNS) - Palm Springs officials Thursday attributed the
city's 63% biannual decrease in homelessness to a $40 million investment into
housing with its community members.
  

The biannual Riverside County Point-in-Time Count, which last took
place in the city on Jan. 22, 2023, is believed to reflect an accurate
quantification of the county's homeless population.
  

``This incredible news is the result of a strong partnership between
the city of Palm Springs, the county of Riverside, Martha's Village and
Kitchen, the Palm Springs Police Department and our hardworking city staff and
committed community of stakeholders, who over the last several years have
collaborated together to open the Palm Springs Access Center -- and now most
recently, the new Palm Springs Navigation Center, which is lifting people out
of homelessness every day,'' Palm Springs City Manager Scott Stiles said in a
statement.
  

City officials said a contributing factor to the decline in unhoused
individuals was a $40 million investment to develop the Palm Springs Navigation
Center, a living facility on McCarthy Road operated by Martha's Village and
Kitchen that features 80 units for individuals and families, a playground, a
computer room and cafeteria.
  

``When tackling complex problems, it takes a massive effort by all
government, nonprofit institutions and neighbors. The result of the Point-in-
Time Count verifies that a holistic approach to solving community problems
shows great promise. I am proud of PSPD's effort in this holistic approach and
extremely pleased with the results,'' Palm Springs Chief of Police Andy Mills
said.
  

Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte issued a statement, saying ``I want to
thank our Palm Springs residents and businesses for their patience and support
while the City Council and our partners went through the long process of
funding and building the Navigation Center.''
  

He added, ``This dramatic reduction of unhoused residents in Palm
Springs proves that it has been well worth the wait, and that when we can find
solutions to addressing homelessness.''
  

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