Palm Springs, CA

The City of Palm Springs is reporting a significant decline in its unhoused population, citing a 63% decrease since 2023, according to data from the biannual Riverside County Point-in-Time (PIT) Count conducted on January 22, 2025.

This notable improvement is attributed to the City’s strategic partnerships and targeted investments aimed at addressing homelessness. Spearheaded by the development of the Palm Springs Navigation Center and supported by the Palm Springs Access Center, the city’s approach focuses on providing comprehensive care and transitional housing to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

City Manager Scott Stiles praised the collaborative effort that led to the success. “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 hard-working City staff and committed community stakeholders,” he said. “Together, we’ve opened vital resources like the Palm Springs Access Center and the new Navigation Center, which are lifting people out of homelessness every day.”

The Palm Springs Navigation Center, operated by Martha’s Village and Kitchen—one of the region’s most established homeless service providers—represents a $40 million investment by the City Council. The facility currently houses 80 residents in private units and offers a wide array of support services including mental health care, job assistance, technology access, a dog park, and three daily meals. Adjacent to the main facility is the Early Access Facility, offering up to 50 overnight shelter beds on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Chief of Police Andy Mills underscored the effectiveness of the city’s holistic strategy. “Cutting the number of unsheltered people by 63% and increasing those housed by 155% is a remarkable achievement,” Mills said. “This data affirms that when we integrate efforts across government, non-profits, and community partners, we can make a lasting impact—not just in Palm Springs but across the Coachella Valley.”

Pictured: Palm Springs Homeless Navigation Center

Mayor Ron deHarte acknowledged the role of the community in supporting the initiative. “I want to thank our Palm Springs residents and businesses for their patience and support throughout this process. The dramatic reduction in unhoused residents proves that our investment and perseverance have paid off. When we work together, we can find real solutions.”

The biannual PIT Count, coordinated by Riverside County, is a federally mandated census that helps track homelessness trends and guides policy decisions and funding.

For more information about the PIT Count and homelessness services in Palm Springs, visit EngagePalmSprings.com.