By Denise Ortuno Neil
On the streets of the Coachella Valley, under bridges and in camps, there are people living a different life than most. They have come on hard times for a multitude of reasons and no two stories are the same. But thanks to the dedication of the Street Life Project, this population of the Coachella Valley has a chance to move forward in their lives with hope, friendship and faith, all through the word of God.
It was over a year ago, when Christian Jelmberg started Street Life Project, but the vision came well before the inception. He had the vision after encountering a homeless man outside an eating establishment. In an instant, he saw the fruition of Street Life Project come to life, touched by God, he moved forward with his quest. “I didn’t think I could do it with working a full time job because the vision was so big and seemed overwhelming, but I took a leap of faith and I started it… it’s been amazing. God just keeps providing the people to make it happen,” said Jelmberg.
Jelmberg moved to the desert from Arizona seven years ago, where he was a successful business owner. He came to the desert to be near his family, where they now have their own real estate company, the Jelmberg Team.
Jelmberg is familiar in assisting the homeless, having worked with other organizations in the past. But what makes Street Life Project different is an approach that not only helps to nourish the bodies and souls of those in need immediately, but also gives the ones that they help a desire to pay it forward to others.
The organization is a movement of hope, friendship and faith, built with a foundation of volunteers who go out into the community to help those in need. They literally go out to the streets, under bridges and in homeless camps every Tuesday night at 6pm to lend a helping hand, “We go deep into places that the public doesn’t see, people drive by and never know that they’re there,” said Jelmberg.
They distribute food, clothing, toiletries and supplies to between 140 to180 people a week in the areas of Coachella, Indio and Palm Springs. But Street Life Project goes further; they provide life coaching and spiritual guidance to the ones that they help, even providing transportation to Sunday church services. Many of those in need find it difficult to get back on their feet due to a lack of simple resources. It is difficult to find a job in today’s job market without being able to look presentable, and without having a resume. That’s where Street Life Project comes in. They help those who are ready to move forward in any way that they can. Volunteer’s help with writing resumes, job searches and even provide transportation to job interviews. For those who need assistance in drug rehabilitation, Street Life Project helps them to get into a program and after completion into transitional housing, so they don’t go back on the street, before helping them find employment. After they get a job and start to make an income, Street Life Project will assist them in finding permanent housing. Street Life Project is with them from start to finish.
The organizations success rate is high and growing. Jelmberg spoke of many who have been helped through the Street Life Project, including a man named Michael who once worked on El Paseo before falling into tough times. Jelmberg met him some time back while doing outreach and wanted to know why he wasn’t getting off the street, the answer sparked Jelmberg to help even further. Michael said who would hire him the way that he looked, and how would he put together a resume without resources to do so? Then Jelmberg came back with questions for Michael. “What if you dressed well, what if I gave you a suit to wear, what if we helped you get job interviews and if we helped you find a place to live would you do it?” asked Jelmberg, Michaels answer was a resounding “Yes” as his eyes lit up with hope. “He was so excited that someone cared enough to put the resources there,” said Jelmberg.
Jelmberg made good on his promise and helped Michael get off the streets, find a great job and move forward in his life. “To actually have an impact on someone’s life is amazing,” said Jelmberg. Michael was the first homeless person to be helped off the streets by the Street Life Project. There are many more that followed.
Jelmberg is quick to say that the homeless stereo type is not reality. Although there are some who suffer from drug addition, there are more that are just in need of a second chance that have come upon difficult times, people just like you and me.
The beauty of Street Life Project is that those who have received assistance to get off the street, in turn help others do the same, “It’s a ripple effect,” explains Jelmberg.
His goals for the Street Life Project are ambitious, including acquiring a van and facility to accommodate those in need. He wants to expand the organization in a way that it can be replicated in other cities across the state and country. He is building a model from A to Z so that other likeminded individuals can grow his vision of the Street Life Project.
The organization is always looking for more volunteers, as they are the heart of Street Life Project, as well as donations from food to clothing. They are in need of people with special skills as well as those who just want to help. They are looking for volunteers in the areas of Outreach Services, Guidance Services, Health & Beauty, Transportation, Marketing/Media and Fundraising.
Street Life Project is moving at lightning speed, gaining recognition and support from local communities and beyond. Their progressive message of hope, friendship and faith is changing the lives of not only those who gain from their assistance, but for those who are giving it. As Jelmberg said, “God deserves all the credit, this is the most inspiring thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
For more information on how to donate and volunteer visit www.streetlifeproject.com
