Grand Opening Ribbon-Cutting and Day of Action for new Palm Springs Access Center slated for Thursday, Sept. 30

PALM SPRINGS — The city of Palm Springs and Martha’s Village and Kitchen, in partnership with the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, will hold an official grand opening ribbon-cutting and a day of action to raise awareness about much needed wraparound services now available to homeless individuals at the Palm Springs Access Center, the City’s new daytime drop-in facility.

The 9:30 a.m. opening event will take place on Thursday, Sept. 30 at the Palm Springs Access Center, 225 S. El Cielo Road. Mayor Christy Holstege, members of the Palm Springs City Council, Linda Barrack, CEO of Martha’s Village and Kitchen, and Nona Watson, CEO of the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce will be on hand for opening remarks and to participate in a Day of Action preparing hygiene packages for local clients.

Residents interested in volunteering should contact Kaylin Murphy at KMurphy@marthasvillage.org.

“The City of Palm Springs is thrilled to partner with Martha’s Village and Kitchen to provide much needed professional wraparound services for homeless residents on the west end of the valley,” Holstege said in a prepared statement. “Martha’s is one of the largest and most respected providers of homeless services in Riverside County and we thank them for stepping up to partner with Palm Springs to help us support those in need.”

Founded in 1990, Martha’s Village and Kitchen recently contracted with the City to provide homeless wraparound services at the new access center as well as other assistance that includes case management, helping individuals obtain permanent and supportive housing, health, disability, Social Security and other benefits, along with computer training, and assistance filling out job applications. Showers and laundry service are also available.

Since its opening, at least 98 unduplicated clients have been served, at least 73 case management meetings have taken place and at least 46 individuals have used the shower facilities, according to a Palm Springs City Government Facebook post.

A “security presence” has been on the grounds an hour and a half before the Boxing Club center opens and an hour and a half after it closes — even some days in between.

Video surveillance cameras with remote monitoring have also been installed.

In addition, staff at Martha’s is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the program’s activities, including collecting and analyzing statistical records, client intake data, program participation, and demographic profiles.

Hours of operation are seven days a week from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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