A strong regional economy relies on a stable, financially secure workforce—and affordable housing is essential to that foundation. 

Generation Housing (2025) finds that regions adding affordable homes near job centers see stronger labor stability, helping businesses keep the employees they rely on. This stability stems from financial breathing room: Home for All (2017) found that families in affordable homes have more discretionary income to cover essentials, save, and plan ahead. MIT and NBER (2021) further show that when financial strain is reduced, productivity rises and costly mistakes decline. Affordable housing doesn’t just create stability at home; it builds a stronger, more resilient workforce that drives regional prosperity. 

The Coachella Valley’s tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and education sectors rely on a strong local workforce. Affordable and workforce housing investments are helping employees live near their jobs, strengthening retention and business growth. Lift to Rise, a Coachella Valley nonprofit, leads this regional effort through its Housing Collaborative Action Network (Housing CAN), uniting 70+ partners across nine cities to deliver 10,000 affordable homes by 2028. The regional pipeline already includes over 9,300 affordable units, with new projects opening each year. 

What housing-related resources are available for working families in the valley? 

  • Riverside County First-Time Home Buyer Program offers assistance with down payments and closing costs for eligible buyers. 
  • Palm Springs Rental Assistance connects residents to local rent support programs. The program is currently closed, but residents can check the City’s website for updates. 
  • Community Action Partnership provides utility assistance for income-qualified households to help with electric or gas bills. 
  • CRLA and Riverside Legal Aid offer free or low-cost legal support for renters facing eviction, housing disputes, or other legal housing needs. 
  • ConnectIE is a regional online hub that links families to local services, including housing, childcare, transportation, food, and healthcare

New affordable housing opportunities across the valley 

Cities across the Coachella Valley are working with Lift to Rise and development partners to expand access to affordable housing. These new and upcoming projects represent regional collaboration in action. 

  • The Crossings at Palm Desert (Palm Desert): One-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with community amenities including recreation areas, after-school programs, and energy-efficient design. Accepting applications now. 
  • JFM Family Apartments (Indio): 50-unit community for seniors and a 100-unit complex for families and individuals. Completion expected in late 2026. 
  • Via Vail Village (Rancho Mirage): 234 affordable units near Gerald Ford Drive and Monterey Avenue, designed for hotel and hospital workers. Completion expected in 2027. 

Lift to Rise creates spaces where collaboration drives measurable change. Employers, community members, and local leaders each play a role in strengthening the region’s housing future. Through our Pipeline Portal, residents can track the progress of more than 9,300 affordable homes underway across the Coachella Valley. 

Overview of Lift to Rise’s Key Initiatives 

  • Housing Collaborative Action Network (Housing CAN): Coalition of more than 70 cross-sector partners, including city officials, developers, employers, and advocates, organized around a shared goal of delivering 10,000 affordable homes by 2028. 
  • Resident Leadership Table (RLT): Group of resident and community leaders representing community-based organizations that provide direct services through their networks. Leaders help shape Lift to Rise’s strategy and bring community perspectives and needs to the initiative. 
  • Committees by Cities: Resident-led groups supported by Lift to Rise that build civic engagement and advocate for affordable housing and other community priorities to local leaders. 

How you can get involved 

Associate Director of Policy & Research Celeste Flores contributed to writing this piece.