Protesters stood outside the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio this morning, demanding better use of the building.
During the “Open the Doors Now” rally, protesters marched with signs calling on Riverside County to repurpose the building to support the local homeless population.
According to the protesters, the detention center is only half full and can be used as accommodation or a place to cool off for the homeless during the hot summer months.
They claim that the current use of the facility is a waste of taxpayers’ money.
“We’re here to raise awareness about this $340 million facility that’s sitting half empty while people are dying and going to the emergency room,” said Nathan Kempe, operations director for Starting Over Strong. “In the last four years, there have been over four dozen deaths and over 300 homeless visits to the emergency room. We want them to convert it into a cooling center so we can provide services for the homeless so they can get meals, get tested for Covid-19 and get vaccinated.”
The protesters also provided free water and fans to those in need.
The group that organized the rally told News Channel 3 they are working to arrange a meeting with county supervisors to discuss options.
We have reached out to the county to confirm these numbers and have not yet received a response.
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