Coachella Valley Rescue Mission

Hi everyone, I am writing this review out of deep concern and disappointment after my experience with CVRM, a facility that is supposed to offer safety and support to individuals facing homelessness. Unfortunately, what I encountered was the exact opposite: an environment that felt more like punishment and hatred than refuge. Uninhabitable Conditions From the moment I entered the shelter, it was clear the facility was in no condition to house human beings. The air inside was heavy with HEAT and a STINCH, and the bathrooms were unsanitary and frequently non-functional. Several of the sleeping areas were infested with bed bugs and other pests, (BLACK WIDOWS) making rest nearly impossible. Basic hygiene supplies were scarce or entirely absent, and the lack of ventilation and clean air filter created a suffocating and unhealthy atmosphere. These conditions are not just uncomfortable—they are dangerous, especially for individuals with existing health issues. The meals are either undercooked, old, stale, very limited or contaminated with an army of flies. Discrimination and Prejudice Even more troubling was the behavior of the case workers. What should have been a source of guidance and compassion became a source of emotional harm. I witnessed and personally experienced discriminatory attitudes based on race, gender identity, and appearance. Certain individuals were spoken to with contempt, dismissed without proper support, or denied services for unclear reasons. Instead of being treated with dignity, many residents were subjected to power-tripping, bias, and a lack of empathy from staff whose job is to Help—Not Harm. One case worker in particular (Michelle) made several inappropriate remarks about residents’ backgrounds and assumed the worst of people simply based on appearance. Complaints went ignored or were brushed off as “misunderstandings,” and retaliation against those who spoke up was not uncommon. In Conclusion, A shelter should be a place of hope and recovery, not a last-resort nightmare. The conditions at CVRM are not just unacceptable—they are dehumanizing. The facility needs urgent oversight, structural repairs, staff retraining, and a complete overhaul of its policies to ensure accountability and equitable treatment for all. No one seeking help should have to choose between the streets and a toxic environment like this. Until serious reforms are made, I cannot in good conscience recommend this shelter to anyone. Godspeed :)

The greatest Organization for moms. The people that work here have big heart s. So do the volunteers. When it comes to management you won't find favoritism, discrimination, or a hypocrite. If help with addiction is what you need this is definitely a place that had resources. The website is SO informative. I've even seen the less unfortunate keep coming back. If you feel the need to donate or make a contribution this would be the worth it place.

My experience with this mission started at Thanksgiving 2023, when I received a blanket mail out letter telling how I could help with Thanksgiving meals for the homeless for as little as a couple of dollars. That amount would pay for a Thanksgiving meal for one person. I knew nothing about the CVRM at the time, but I sent a fifty dollar check because I wanted to help those who would otherwise not have a meal on Thanksgiving. A while later, I received another letter addressed to me personally asking for another meal donation and I responded. Soon, I was getting solicitation mailouts regularly from CVRM, as often as every month, and some were quite heavy with paper. This does not work for me, as I see it as some sort of "hard sell" tactic. I called to ask to be taken off the mailing list and remarked at the time, that this practice was costing the mission a lot in postage, paper, and time. Then, the past three months, I have received countless donation requests from charities all over the globe, which I have never heard of. I am currently getting two or three a day. I called CVRM to complain and ask why they had given my name and address to all these unknown (to me, anyway) charities. The man I spoke with told me that a third party handles all that. (marketing)! He couldn't do anything about it. How can they afford that? And, does it even really help? And, then I've read some of the negative reviews that make me wonder where the money really goes. I also know it is easy to refute a negative review, by writing a long, flowery one that answers the negative review, point by point. I hope the board that oversees CVRM will look into this.