Nightingale Manor, the only homeless shelter in Palm Springs, now has more to offer its temporary residents. Desert Healthcare District recently awarded Jewish Family Service of the Desert $124,000 to help families at the shelter acquire stable housing.
The money from this one-year grant will allow JFS of the Desert to hire a case manager and a resource specialist who will assess each family’s case and determine what is needed. The help includes referring residents to workforce training, employment assistance, identifying appropriate housing, drug and alcohol counseling or family therapy as needed and enrolling children in school.
“We hope to enhance what is already at the shelter,” said Dan Bass, JFS of the Desert executive director. “Helping these people develop a plan is a major factor in securing employment, which helps them with the money needed to acquire stable housing. And that is the number-one goal of the shelter staff.”
Jewish Family Service of San Diego took over operations of Nightingale Manor in October. The 11-room shelter provides emergency beds and food for families for up to 60 days. Riverside County Department of Public Social Services funds the operational costs of the shelter.
“Many of the families in the shelter are there because of unforeseen circumstances,” said Bass. “We are there to help them improve their situations.”
After a family leaves the shelter, the staff provided by JFS of the Desert will offer follow-up support, in an effort to help families stay on track.
For more information about Nightingale Manor call (760) 325-4088
