(Indio, CA) Building new beginnings and a mission accomplished were the words of the day when Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack, the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and other locally elected officials gathered at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission for the ribbon cutting of their new facility located at 47-518 Van Buren Blvd, in the City of Indio, California.

“It has been a long eight years since the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission stepped out on faith, purchasing 7.75 acres of land directly across the street from its current location,” said Floyd Rhodes, Chairman of Coachella Valley Rescue Mission’s Board of Directors. “With the completion of the new 45,000 square foot building, we increase our ability to continue serving those in need through the provision of food, shelter, clothing, and spiritual recovery.”

A long time desert resident, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack, of the 45th Congressional District noted how important the work of the mission is in helping those members of our community who have fallen on tough times.

“Regardless of what level of government you serve these days, everyone has a tight budget.  However, nobody has a tighter budget right now than the American family,” said Congresswoman Bono-Mack. “I am happy to support organizations like the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, which is helping people with their passion and compassion to better their lives. It is because of you and everything that you do to make our community so wonderful to live in that we are able to tell the success stories like this one today.”

“When the sound public policy provides a path for the private sector, public sector, and faith-based community to work together toward a common objective, it shows what can be done to address challenges communities face” said Kevin Blackburn, Assistant Vice President for Federal Home Loan Bank San Francisco. “The $1.5 million Affordable Housing Program grant was a critical component of the funding for this amazing facility.”

County Supervisor John Benoit related how Riverside County provided $2 million to acquire the land for the Mission. He also pointed out some sobering facts, related to Riverside County’s homeless situation and the need for the expanded services that the new Coachella Valley Rescue Mission will provide.

“While we are here on such a beautiful day, it is unsettling to hear some of the statistics when it comes to homeless in Riverside County,” said Supervisor Benoit. “One in five homeless persons is a child, with women and children making up nearly half of the homeless population and one out three men who are homeless are military veterans. It is clear just how important this rescue mission is to helping turn this around.”

“Today is an important day because we are able to give people hope and strength for their future,” said Darla Burkett, executive director of the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. “This facility would not be here today if it was not for each and every one of you.
The most important thing to remember is that today is not about the building, so much as it being about the people we serve.”