By Lisa Morgan
SafeHouse of the Desert has been in business going on 20 years now, with shelters in Riverside and Thousand Palms. This incredible program fills a hole in our government programs that seem to let our pre-adult/late teens from troubled homes or who may be a little trouble to themselves and their families, fall through the cracks. At Safe House, these teens and their families can find the support, education and structure necessary to change their rocky course. “Operation SafeHouse is well equipped to handle any crisis your teen years are dishing out to you,” the website reads. “Feel like you’ve got nowhere else to go? Then just make your way to our teen shelters where you are always welcome…just show up.”
Parents can also turn to Safe House for early intervention by calling to set up a screening for their child. At the screening, they meet with a Marriage and Family Therapist who tells them more about what they can expect to receive from their holistic approach and listens to the struggles they’re having. Together, with community support, they provide emergency shelter, intervention and outreach services to runaway, homeless and other youth in crisis, giving youth and their families positive alternatives to becoming victims of the streets.
Now a new extension of SafeHouse of the Desert not only streamlines the donations received regularly through our generous community, but it also provides a work place for residents. The POP Shop sells previously owned products. Every sale supports SafeHouse of the Desert. The store is located at 551 Industrial Place, Palm Springs, and is open every day, except Sundays, 10am-5pm.
Store Manager, Angela Kinley had this to share about the new venture: “The POP Shop started when SafeHouse decided to expand its funding base by opening a Thrift Store that would serve the community and also have clothing and items for the youth and families we serve. SafeHouse has always received such nice donations from the community–and starting a thrift store seemed to be a logical way to expand our reach.”
After a couple of years in Desert Hot Springs where Angela Kinley, Store Manager honed her thrift store skills, a location opened up in Palm Springs. Board Member Don Schroeder, retired school administrator saw the vision in picking the location at 551 Industrial Place: “The rent was reasonable, and there was much talk of expansion in that particular neighborhood. Currently we are one of 9 vintage/antique shops at Sunny Dunes West.”
“One of the things that makes The POP Shop unique is the selection process,” shard Kinley. “The staff works hard to make sure the quality of the items on the floor are in great shape, creating more of a boutique thrift shopping experience. The POP Shop accepts donations daily in store from 10-5 (except Sundays) and offers pick up services on Saturday. Items we cannot accept include mattresses, large appliances, televisions and computer monitors (unless flat screen), children’s furniture, gas powered garden equipment as well as hazardous materials such as paint, tires, etc.”
For more information or to schedule a pick up please call Angela at 760-864-8681
The POP Shop is run by one full time employee, two part time employees and a hand full of amazing volunteers.
safehouseofthedesert.com/safehouse-of-the-desert/the-pop-shop
