coachella valley serviceS
Desert S.O.S

In 2005, the Coachella Valley Association of Governments identified homeless services as a significant community need. In response, Jewish Family Service operates Roy's Desert Resource Center, a comprehensive homeless center and a Desert Horizon and Desert Vista Permanent Supportive Housing programs to help homeless Coachella Valley residents get off the streets and achieve self-sufficiency. Recognizing the complex factors contributing to homelessness, JFS provides both shelter and a wide range of supportive services, including case management services, job placement assistance, daily living skills development, budgeting instruction, and housing placement assistance. To date, we’ve partnered with hundreds of homeless individuals and families to build independent, successful lives.

Roy's Desert Resource Center 

Located in N. Palm Springs, Roy’s Desert Resource Center has one simple goal: to help people get back on their feet, become self-sufficient, and return to a home of their own. Named in honor of the late Riverside County Supervisor, Roy Wilson, the Center is the very first comprehensive resource center for the transitionally homeless in Coachella Valley.

Roy’s Desert Resource Center is designed for homeless individuals, families, and veterans who are eager and ready for change. Without exception, everyone who walks through our doors experiences a sense of hope, respect, and possibility. Our professional staff provides clients with the necessary tools to build financial stability, secure safe and affordable housing, and regain independence. To refer a client to Roy’s Desert Resource Center, complete our online form.

Supportive services include:

• Living skills
• Budgeting instruction
• Case management
• Community referrals and access to benefits
• Advocacy
• Employment assistance
• Access to education
• Housing placement assistance
• Mental health and substance abuse services
• Public Health Nursing Services
• Clothing services
• Breakfast and hot evening meal
• Bus passes
• Transportation to and from shelter
• Showers
• Laundry
• After school tutoring and snacks
• Personal toiletry items

Click here to see photos of Roy’s Desert Resource Center>>

This regional effort has been spearheaded by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments’ (CVAG) Homelessness Committee and is supported by the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), local cities of the Coachella Valley, numerous private and public partnerships, and the Friends of Roy’s Foundation, which raises vital funds to support the Center. To make a donation or participate in the Annual Golf fundraiser, please visit the Friends of Roy’s Foundation site.

Desert Horizon and Desert Vista Permanent Supportive Housing Programs

With funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), JFS provides permanent supportive housing to 58 formerly homeless men and women with disabilities. The program’s purpose is to empower these individuals to find and retain permanent housing and overcome financial and functional barriers to success in mainstream society. Staff members conduct extensive outreach and provide intensive case management and supportive services to help clients reach their goals.

Supportive services include:

• Living skills
• Budgeting instruction
• Case management
• Community referrals and access to benefits
• Advocacy
• Employment assistance
• Access to education
• Mental health and substance abuse services
• In-home health services
• ADA transportation services
• Food distributions
• Support groups
• Physical Health Services

Click here to see photos of our Permanent Supportive Housing>>

This program is funded through a collaborative effort with Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) and HUD. Clients are charged 30% of their income based on HUD guidelines.

Friends of Roy's Foundation was established in April 2011 to assist in bringing awareness and funding to Roy's Desert Resource Center.
Visit the Friends of Roy's Foundation website>>