The Cooling Center is now open at Martha’s Village and Kitchen as an escape from the heat for the homeless and less fortunate community members of the Coachella Valley.
As you know, Southern California is facing one of the most severe droughts in history, and temperatures are at record highs. In the Palm Springs/Indio area, temperatures soar above 110 degrees on a frequent basis during the summer months. The working poor, senior citizens, the disabled, individuals and families on fixed incomes, and the impoverished cannot afford to keep their air conditioners on. The homeless population, including innocent children, face dire circumstances when the heat rises.
Extreme heat can cause “heat exhaustion,” characterized by heavy sweating, intense thirst, weakness, dizziness, visual disturbances, nausea, headache, breathlessness, and palpitations. Most of these symptoms can be relieved by seeking cooler temperatures, drinking clear fluids and resting. But if not treated, they can also lead to “heat stroke” and death.
To help those in need, we have opened our Cooling Center. This center provides air conditioning, water, refreshments, and a place to relax and escape from the deadly heat. In some cases, we provide medical attention and referrals to social services.
Linda Barrack, President and CEO of Martha’s Village and Kitchen, said “Our Cooling Center is an important resource for the community. It alleviates electric costs for the working poor and those on fixed incomes. For the homeless, it offers an escape from the extreme weather. This is so important because during this time of year, the homeless population is susceptible to health issues and complications that can lead to hospitalization or even death. Opening up our Cooling Center is just one of the ways we try to help those in need.”
The Cooling Center is open to the homeless as well as impoverished community members that either don’t have air conditioning or can’t afford to run their air conditioner at home all day. The Cooling Center is open daily from 11 AM to 3 PM, the peak temperatures of the day. Those seeking relief in the Cooling Center can also access public lunch which is served Monday-Friday.
Please consider donating today to help those in need. Your donation will also help us keep the doors of our Cooling Center open. The summer heat increases the demand for our services, but it is also the time of year when support often wanes.
I Want To Help Those In Need By Donating Today
Thank you for your support and understanding of the plight of the homeless who have nowhere to go; especially during these hot, dry months in the desert. For more information about our Cooling Center, please feel free to call us at 760-347-4741. We are incredibly grateful for your support!