Three desert cities will form a partnership with Riverside County to open overnight cooling centers in the region for the rest of the summer, it was announced Thursday.
Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs and Cathedral City will join the county to provide three overnight cooling centers for anyone in need in the western Coachella Valley from July 1 through Sept. 30.
The announcement was made following the "successful trial" of an overnight cooling center in Palm Springs earlier this month, according to a statement from the office of Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez.
The county's Homeless Emergency Aid Program will contribute $200,000 for the startup costs of the cooling centers, Perez's office said.
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In addition to providing overnight shelter, the cooling centers will also act as access points for people experiencing homelessness to receive social services.
The cooling centers will operate seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the following locations:
- World Life of Fellowship Center, 66290 Estrella Ave., Desert Hot Springs
- Community Presbyterian Church, 38088 Chuperosa Lane, Cathedral City
- Demuth Community Center, 3601 E. Mesquite Ave., Palm Springs
The Desert Healthcare District Foundation has also set up a Summer Homeless Survival Fund to solicit donations for operational expenses, and its board of directors agreed to establish a $50,000 matching fund program for any donations received. Donations can be made at https://www.dhcd.org/homelessfund.
