Nourishing Hope in the Desert
Every week, compassionate volunteers serve hundreds of hot, nutritious meals to individuals in need. Last year alone, they provided over 81,000 meals, offering vital sustenance and support to our homeless community. Please join us in making a difference, as we continue to be a beacon of hope to so many people, one meal at a time.
Real Food, Real Dignity
At Well in the Desert, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality, nutritious meals served with dignity and respect. Our food is not just sustenance—it's prepared with care and served with compassion.
High-Quality & Nutritious
Every meal is thoughtfully prepared with fresh, nutritious ingredients to nourish both body and spirit.
Waiter Service with Pride
We pride ourselves on our waiter service, treating every guest with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Pet-Friendly Service
Dogs and cats are welcome at our food service locations, and we provide food for them as well—because family is family.
Our Mission
Well and the Desert is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity and poverty in Palm Springs, California. We provide nutritious hot meals five days a week, as well as emergency food assistance and weekly supplemental food distribution. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive range of supportive services designed to help individuals achieve stability and dignity. We serve the working homeless seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and many others facing economic hardship through a comprehensive approach, focused on both direct assistance and advocacy. We fuel programs that prevent poverty while promoting the well-being of our community.
Poverty Prevention
We work proactively to prevent individuals and families from falling into homelessness through early intervention programs and community support systems.
Intervention
Our immediate response programs provide essential services including meals and referral services to those experiencing homelessness.
Advocacy
We advocate for systemic change and policy improvements that address the root causes of homelessness and create lasting solutions for our community.
Our Services
Since 1996, Well in the Desert has provided comprehensive services to economically and socially challenged Coachella Valley residents, including hot meals five days a week with one day for food distribution on Saturdays. Other services include resume writing and mail services. The organization creates a safe, family-friendly environment serving homeless individuals, working families, seniors, veterans, and children with services ranging from ID assistance to providing a Christmas lunch to over 1,500 people at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
Daily Free Hot Meals
Nutritious meals served 5 days a week at multiple locations
Phone & Mail Services
Communication support for staying connected
Travel Help
One-way tickets and bus schedules
Clothing and other resources
Free donated clothing, bedding, and shelters
300 Free Bicycles
With over 300 bikes distributed in Palm Springs, the bike program directly addresses the mobility needs of the most vulnerable while connecting them to support services.
Saturday food distribution
Food distribution at our local distribution center for economically challenged families
Special events
Benefit concerts and events, including a Thanksgiving feast and Christmas Spectacular event (all are welcome)
Medical assistance
On site medical screenings are available at some of our meal locations
Making a Difference Together
Every day, we witness the power of community support in transforming lives. From providing essential meals to offering comprehensive services, we're building a stronger, more resilient Palm Springs together.
Feeding Sites
We serve nutritious meals at church locations throughout Palm Springs, 5 days a week. All lunch services run from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM, with Saturday food distribution running from 5:30AM to 7:00AM.
1555 E Alejo, Palm Springs, CA
Hot nutritious lunch service
125 E Tahquitz Canyon Way #108, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Midweek meal service in a welcoming environment
474 N Belardo at Alejo, Palm Springs, CA
Community lunch service with support resources
204 S. Calle El Segundo at Arenas, Palm Springs, CA
End-of-week meal service and community gathering
181 N Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, CA
Weekend food distribution service
Our Impact
For 29 years, we've been making a real difference in the lives of our unhoused neighbors. Here's how your support creates lasting change in our community.
Nutritious meals provided to our community members
Free meals served to clients every day, including lunch and a to-go dinner
Serving the community 12 months/year
Refurbished and gifted from donations
Local churches providing meal locations
Serving warm nutritious meals for free
Fed monthly by Well in the Desert
Join Us for Our Annual Christmas Spectacular!
A magical family-friendly celebration featuring visits with Santa, hot nutritious meals, gifts for children, and holiday joy for the whole community.
Learn More About the EventNews & Events
Stay updated with our latest news, upcoming events, and community impact stories.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of entertainment! Enjoy a spectacular show with dinner service starting at 5:30 PM and the main show at 7:00 PM at Oscar's in Palm Springs.
A magical family-friendly celebration featuring visits with Santa, hot nutritious meals, gifts for children, and holiday joy for the whole community.
Join us for the Wishing Well Benefit Concert, 'where wishes bring change!' Featuring local artists and bands. All proceeds go towards supporting our mission to provide food and resources to those in need.
Stories of Hope
Hear from the people whose lives have been touched by our work and the community members who make our mission possible.
"Well in the Desert has been described as 'the safety net for those homeless and living in poverty in the western end of the Coachella Valley'"
Roy Wilson
Late Supervisor, Riverside County Board of Supervisors
"As a local business owner, I've seen firsthand how Well in the Desert transforms lives. Their comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness is making a real difference in our community."
David Chen
Community Partner
"Volunteering with Well in the Desert has been incredibly rewarding. The organization's commitment to treating everyone with respect and compassion is truly inspiring."
Sarah Johnson
Volunteer
Make a Difference Today
Your generous donation helps us continue providing essential services to our unhoused neighbors. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real impact in someone's life.