Desert Charities News - Jan-Feb-Mar 2025

. Page 37 Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com • www.dcnnews.com January/February/March 2025 www.lovingallanimals.org Lift to Rise is excited to announce its relocation to a new mid-valley headquarters with further plans in the coming year to create a dedicated community gathering space for collaboration with its network of partners. Located at 75-175 Merle Drive in Palm Desert, the 12,000-sqare-feet campus will provide expanded and flexible workspaces for Lift to Rise staff to meet with community members and partners in their work to increase affordable housing options in the Coachella Valley. It will also eventually offer a centrally located and welcoming space for professional and informal gatherings at low or no cost to community-focused residents, organizational leaders, public officials, and private-sector partners. “We are thrilled to be taking this unique building and turning it into a new community asset,” said Lift to Rise CEO Heather Vaikona. “Our wish it that it not only becomes an inviting place that centers us in our work to build a Coachella Valley with opportunities for everyone, but also provides the space and resources for activities that ground us in community, enrich our spirits, and strengthen our connections to one another.” Lift to Rise purchased the property earlier this year, and the staff are moving this month. Extensive renovations are planned, and more information about the design and function of the updated space will be shared as work moves forward next year. The property contains a two-story main building for offices and meetings and a separate Lift to Rise takes over PalmDesert building to use for staff offices and community events continued on page 41