EXTREME HEAT WARNING. THIRST. HUNGER.

Many people need your help this summer…
especially in the soaring Coachella Valley desert heat.

Homelessness carries a stigma and summer in the Coachella Valley is brutal. Now temperatures are soaring, and homeless families and individuals need a place to escape the blistering heat.

Because of the dangers associated with the summertime heat, we have set up a special “Cooling Center” at Martha’s Village and Kitchen.

We need your help.

The great news is your gift will be matched if you give before July 15, 2023!

The extreme summer heat increases the demand for our services, but it is also the time of year when support wanes. Please help us keep homeless children and seniors safe from heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death.

Your contribution may very well be the critical difference between life and death.

Thank you for your help and understanding of the struggle of the homeless who have nowhere to go; especially during these hot, dry, relentless months in the desert.

We are so proud of all the hard work our 7 brilliant graduates have put in over the years! From infancy to Kindergarten, we have seen them grow and flourish – we can’t wait to witness their continued success! Martha’s Village & Kitchen’s State Licensed Child Development Center offers dedicated, experienced care for children from 6 weeks old to 5 years of age, providing not only safety and nurturing but also a learning environment. Our child development center has been highly rated by local parents. We employ the most compassionate teachers to ensure your little ones have the best care and education. Come see why Martha’s Village and Kitchen is the premier choice when it comes to taking care of your children.

Heartfelt farewells to our outgoing grads and heartfelt welcomes to our new students looking to join the journey ahead at Martha’s Village & Kitchen!

Donations are now being accepted

Each year, millions of visitors flock to the Coachella Valley to golf, hike, and swim under infinite blue skies while basking in its abundant sunshine. But there is a dark side to the brightness. As year-round residents are well-aware, once summer arrives the heat gets turned up to unbearable levels, with temperatures routinely climbing well into the triple digits for months on end.

For most of us, the extreme heat is more of a nuisance as we move from our air conditioned-homes to air conditioned-cars to air conditioned-places of work. But for those experiencing homelessness in the Coachella Valley, exposure to the elements can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and in some cases, death. For those without access to shade or water, the risk of heat-related illnesses increases dramatically. In addition to the dangers of heat and dehydration, those experiencing homelessness are also at greater risk of violence, illness, and other health problems.

Which is why Martha’s Village & Kitchen’s Cooling Center remains a vital resource for the community. Open seven days a week during the peak summer months, the center provides a safe and air-conditioned space where individuals can cool down, hydrate, and access essential services, such as showers, healthcare and nourishment.

We all know that staying hydrated is critical during hot weather, but for individuals living outdoors, accessing clean water on a regular basis is an everyday struggle. By providing bottled water, the center helps to ensure that individuals can stay hydrated and avoid serious health risks associated with dehydration.

In an effort to bolster the cooling center’s ability to continue providing these essential services, Martha’s Village & Kitchen is asking for donations to help replenish its supply of bottled water and other necessities. Your contribution can also help cover the costs of air conditioning, transportation, and other expenses associated with operating the center.

By donating to Martha’s Village & Kitchen, you can help ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness in the Coachella Valley have access to the resources they so desperately need to stay safe and healthy during the upcoming summer months.

Please consider donating today by clicking HERE or call (760) 347-4741 for more information.

Indio, CA-based nonprofit also announces updated Board of Directors

Martha’s Village & Kitchen has a long history of providing a range of services to those in need, including emergency food and shelter, medical care, and educational and vocational programs. Now with a full year of leadership under his belt, CEO Sam Hollenbeck is looking to expand those offerings and empower more individuals to achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

“I look forward to continuing Martha’s mission of delivering high-quality services and support to those who need it most,” said Hollenbeck, reflecting on his first year on the job. “That includes increasing housing capacity, implementing new job training, and providing placement programs to help individuals secure employment and build successful careers.”

Hollenbeck previously served as Financial Director (2017-2018) and Vice President (2020-2022), for Martha’s Village & Kitchen, where his responsibilities included tracking and reviewing compliance of government grants, among other duties. He remains focused on growing Martha’s reach and impact — particularly in the areas of housing and job training.

“We’re deeply committed to helping individuals and families overcome difficult circumstances, and our programs improve the lives of countless people in the Coachella Valley and beyond,” said Hollenbeck. “Every day, we’re making a difference.”

All on Board

Martha’s Village & Kitchen recently announced updates to its Board of Directors, ensuring leadership continuity as the organization provides critical services to those most in need in our community. The Board is now comprised of:

Henry Burdick, who has served as Chairman of the Board since 2001, has been succeeded by Jonathan Espy, who served as co-Chairman for the past year. Burdick will continue to serve on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for at least one year as Chairman Emeritus.

With a renewed focus on expanding its reach and impact, Martha’s is well-positioned to continue its vital work in the community and provide critical support services to those in need.

Martha’s Village & Kitchen was awarded a $7,500 by the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation to partially fund the food services initiative.

Our food services program prepares and serves over 300,000 meals each year. On average, 1 out of every 5 Californians does not know where their next meal will come from. Food insecurity and hunger have serious impacts on an individual’s well-being, which may result in poor school attendance and performance, lowered workplace productivity, and physical and mental health problems. At Martha’s Village & Kitchen, we engage in effective responses to these issues every day.

“We are committed to being a partner on the frontline with your work. As the rippling effects of the pandemic are still felt, we’re thrilled to continue to stand alongside those working on the frontlines to ensure individuals in their communities are getting their basic needs met,” Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation Executive Director Julie Waitman states, “Food insecurity is happening all around us, and we’re honored to partner with organizations dedicated to fighting hunger.”

During the 2022-2023 fiscal year (June 1, 2022-May 31, 2023), the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation awarded $250,000 to 28 organizations across the U.S. fighting hunger in their communities. The grant marks $1.52 million awarded by the Foundation in its effort to help fight hunger.

The Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation was established in 1962 as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. In 1919, Alpha Gamma Delta International Women’s Fraternity was the first National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) organization to establish an external philanthropic cause. For more information, please visit the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation’s website at www.alphagammadeltafoundation.org.

Henry Burdick, longtime Chairman of the Board, to become Chairman Emeritus

Jonathan Espy Elected Chairman of the Board of Martha’s Village & Kitchen

Indio, CA, May 5, 2023

Mr. Henry Burdick, who has served as Chairman of the Board of Martha’s Village & Kitchen since November 2001, has accepted the position of Chairman Emeritus, whereby he will continue to serve on the Board and Executive Committee.

Mr. Burdick has been a tireless proponent of the impoverished and has provided forward thinking leadership and direction to Martha’s as we have grown and developed into the Coachella Valley’s most highly respected homeless services provider and advocate for the homeless and impoverished, especially children. We would like to thank Mr. Burdick for his time, financial support, and dedication to our cause over his long tenure.

Jonathan Espy has been elected Chairman of the Board of Martha’s Village & Kitchen. Mr. Espy first joined the Board in January 2022 and serves on the Board’s executive, development, finance, and nominations committees. Mr. Espy has served as Co-Chairman of the Board with Mr. Burdick for the past year.

Mr. Espy is a retired Silicon Valley entrepreneur. He co-founded Corlux Corporation, a fiber optic company in 2000. The company was acquired in 2007, since then he has concentrated on investing and philanthropic pursuits.

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Espy as our Chairman,” said Sam Hollenbeck, CEO of Martha’s Village & Kitchen. “He brings a fresh perspective and tremendous leadership skills to our organization, including a passion for serving the impoverished. We look forward to his leadership as Martha’s continues to expand across the Coachella Valley.”

“I’m proud of Martha’s stellar reputation and industry leading outcomes, and I’m confident in handing over the leadership to Jonathan. Martha’s has been and will continue to be one of the great joys of my life,” said Mr. Burdick.

“It’s my honor to serve as Chairman of Martha’s Village & Kitchen,” said Mr. Espy. “I’m grateful for Henry’s leadership and friendship, and excited to carry forward his legacy, as well as continue working with the management team and the board as Martha’s grows our services in the Coachella Valley.”

To learn more about Martha’s Village & Kitchen, visit www.marthasvillage.org