About Well in the Desert
Serving our community with compassion, dignity, and hope since 1996
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, 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.
Our Services
Food Services
- • Daily free hot nutritious meals
- • Meals to-go are available
- • Saturday food distribution to families
Support Services
- • Mail services
- • Directions on how to receive federal ID cards
- • Distribute bus tickets as needed
Essential Items
- • Free donated clothing and bedding
- • Free refurbished bicycles
- • Free medical screening at our feeding programs
Community Events
- • Thanksgiving lunch
- • Benefit concerts and events
Who We Serve
We provide services to all those affected by poverty, including:
- • The working poor
- • Homeless individuals and families
- • Senior citizens
- • Veterans
- • People with disabilities
- • Unemployed neighbors
- • Anyone in need of a good meal
See Our Work in Action
Our Impact by the Numbers
Meals served increased from 79,000 in 2023 to 98,000 in 2025, demonstrating sustained growth and expanded capacity to serve our community. Additional 2025 Impact: 3,000 lbs of pet food distributed to community members in need.
Kindness Ripples!
Your support helps us continue our mission of food distribution, intervention, and advocacy. Every donation makes a difference in someone's life.