DPSS Annual Report 24_25 FLIP v16_compressed

Administrative Services Division

Workforce Development Branch

DPSS Mass Care Bolsters Countywide Readiness During a Year of Intense Wildfires

Fiscal Year 2024/25 once again brought destructive wildfires that displaced indi viduals, families and entire communities across Riverside County. As the county’s designated provider of shelter services, DPSS Mass Care, led by Emergency Ser vices Coordinator Marie Davis, stepped in with trained volunteers and response partners who ensured safe, stable spac es for the county’s most vulnerable res idents. California’s 2024 fire year was marked by hotter-than-normal conditions and abundant fine fuels, driving significant wildfire activity. DPSS Mass Care teams responded to 20 local disasters, provid ing immediate sheltering and essential services wherever they were needed. The Airport Fire became the year’s most significant event, triggering mandato ry evacuations in September 2024. The

Health and other county partners, deliv ered mass care and recovery services to affected communities. Mass Care workers ensured evacuees had safe shelter, food, water and critical social services throughout the response. The Workforce Development Branch continued to expand its readiness for small, moderate and catastrophic events by training 150 new Mass Care workers and recruiting and training 10 new shelter managers during the fiscal year. DPSS Mass Care remains committed to protecting residents when disaster strikes and strengthening the county’s resilience for the challenges ahead.

fire destroyed homes and infrastructure across Orange and Riverside counties and caused multiple injuries as it ad vanced through densely populated ar eas. At its peak, tens of thousands of structures were under threat. DPSS, working alongside the Emergency Man agement Department, American Red Cross, RUHS-Public Health, Behavioral MASS CARE FY 2024/25 RESPONSE HIGHLIGHTS • Responded to 20 Local Disasters • Trained 150 New Mass Care Workers • Recruited and Trained 10 New Shelter Managers

Riverside County Department of Public Social Services | Annual Report 2024 - 2025

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