This RivCo City Decreased Its Homeless Population By Over 60 Percent

PALM SPRINGS, CA—Palm Springs officials on Thursday attributed the city's 63% biannual decrease in homelessness to a $40 million investment in housing with community members.

The biannual Riverside County Point-in-Time Count, which last took place in the city on Jan. 22, 2023, is believed to accurately quantify 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.

The center features 80 units for individuals and families, a playground, a computer room, and a 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 on the event.

"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."