One Coachella Valley Resident Shares His Story Of Hope Thanks To Help From The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission

At just 23 years old, Arron Perez has already endured more than many face in a lifetime—but today, he stands on a new path filled with hope. After years of moving between cities, sleeping in parks, and briefly living with family, Arron faced a breaking point after the loss of his father, whom he had cared for in Riverside. Left without a home, he spent over two months living on the streets, at times sleeping in public restrooms.

That’s when a case manager introduced him to the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. There, Aaron enrolled in the nonprofit’s Gateway Program—an initiative focused on job training, counseling, and life skills, while helping participants obtain vital documents like ID and Social Security cards. With the support of the mission and his own unshakeable drive, Aaron secured a full-time position at a local Dollar Tree and, as of this week, moved into his very first rental unit.

“I never had my own place. This is my first time, and so I’m very proud of myself,” he shared.

Arron isn’t stopping there. With dreams of becoming a veterinarian, he plans to return to school and is already looking for a second job to help support his new life.