RivCo Nonprofit Feeding Unhoused Community Get $7.5K Grant

PALM DESERT, CA — A nonprofit dedicated to helping the unhoused community in Coachella Valley, Street Life Project, was just awarded a $7,500 grant by the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation.

The grant was given to honor volunteer Sally Hedberg, whom the foundation said has dedicated her time to improving her community in Desert Hot Springs. For the past two years, she has coordinated volunteers to pack 120 lunches weekly for unhoused people in Desert Hot Springs.

"We see the impact that Sally and other volunteers are having in Desert Hot Springs by providing direct help to people who need it, and we wanted to support them,” said Catharine Reed, Vice President of Charitable Programs for the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation.

To help bolster weekly food distribution, championed by Hedberg, the foundation gave the grant to Street Life Project for its work with the local unhoused population.

"Street Life Project’s mission is to inspire change through hope and faith, offering not only meals and clothing, but also the critical services needed to help people rebuild their lives," said SLP founder Christian Jelmberg. “We are the boots on the ground, reaching out and figuring out where people are and what they need. SLP relies on the support and active involvement from our community, and we encourage people to contact us for volunteer opportunities."

Street Life Project does more than pack lunches; it also provides outreach, mentorship, help with benefits, rehab and shelter placements, resume building, permanent housing and more.

Plus, the nonprofit frequently partners with other organizations including Desert Healthcare Mobile Van, Overflow Showers and Jewish Family Service of the Desert.

"It is wonderful to receive the support from the Berger Foundation and News Channel 3," said Hedberg. "Funding is essential to do what we do, but knowing that businesses and organizations are backing our efforts is meaningful."