FINAL_22_21_DPSS_AnnualReport

RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

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Supporting Seniors Through Instability

R andy was living with and caring for a friend in Palm Springs. After her roommate passed away, Randy, a senior with disabilities, was threatened with eviction—which could have put her on the streets. In July 2021, as the pandemic stretched on, she called Adult Protective Services to help find stable housing. Their Crisis Response and Intervention Services (CRIS) team jumped into action. Social worker Melissa Torres and the CRIS team helped Randy transition to a hotel for a month and then secured a Section 8 voucher later. With help from the APS team and Randy’s persistence, she moved into an apartment in Cathedral City in May 2022. “She made phone call after phone call and followed our advice specifically—determined to get into a better situation,” said Melissa Torres, Randy’s social worker at the time. “In times like these, it’s encouraging to see someone fight for what they need. We were happy to help her find affordable housing during a difficult time.” Randy is one of over 1,000 adults the CRIS unit assisted in 2021. Disabled Senior Finds Affordable Housing & In-Home Care Thanks to Adult Services

Social Services Supervisor Melissa Torres visits Randy in the Coachella Valley.

Today, Randy lives safely and comfortably in her apartment. She receives comprehensive services provided by RUHS Behavioral Health and DPSS. DPSS administers California’s In-Home Supportive Services, which provides Randy with a caregiver who helps her with daily living needs and medical support. “My caregiver has been a Godsend,” Randy said. “For over two years, she’s cared for me twice daily. Her help is invaluable. She’s like family and we learn from each other.” Randy says her living situation wouldn’t have stabilized without help from her caregiver and social worker. “Melissa offered a human touch during a very scary moment,” Randy said, “With Melissa, I knew I was in good hands.”

Annual Report 2021/2022