2021 DPSS Annual Report Online_FINAL

Annual Report 2020/2021

Adult Services

Raphael Raphael’s whole world was turned upside down when his father passed away. If the loss of his father wasn’t enough, he soon discovered that his father had deeded his estate to

Fortunately, his luck began to change in April 2020, when Raphael was referred to Project RoomKey. Once he was safe in a hotel room, he began working on Section 8 housing applications. He got discouraged at times, but APS social worker Emmanuel Baxa constantly encouraged him to stick with it and not give up. With Baxa’s help, Raphael was able to move into a safe, clean casita in October 2020. Home Safe funds that the county received from the state were used to pay a double deposit, and Raphael was home at last. His gratitude toward everyone who helped him find safe, stable housing is profound.

another family member, who promptly sold the house in Palm Springs and evicted Raphael who lived in the home. Raphael took stock of his assets. He received about $600 per month from Social Security and about $166 in CalFresh benefits. Without enough to put a down payment on a rental home, let alone pay one month’s rent, Raphael bounced between shelters and spent time living out of his car. For three years, he searched for affordable housing with no luck. The constant moving took a toll on him. He felt lost. He owed money to friends, and he despaired over his bad credit.

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