El Centro, California - Earlier today, the Imperial County Department of Social Services (ICDSS) hosted an open house for their new Mobile Office highlighting ICDSS’ efforts of “Reaching Out to Our Community” at the County Administration Center parking lot in El Centro.  The Imperial County Board of Supervisors took a scheduled break from their regularly scheduled board meeting to visit and tour the Mobile Office and learn about the extensive services that will be provided from the unit to residents in outlying areas of the county.

“This is a giant step in providing the residents in the outlying areas of Imperial County with services from the Department of Social Services,” said District 1 Supervisor John Renison. “The idea here is to go to where the greatest areas of need are and provide assistance to the residents of Imperial County that are limited in their ability to travel great distances to obtain much needed County services.”

“It’s wonderful to see the outstanding product that we have here today,” stated District 5 Supervisor Ray Castillo.  “The Mobile Office will advance the County’s efforts to increase access to vital services and programs that will improve the quality of life for our residents while strengthening community partnerships.”

The Board, County staff and members of the public took the opportunity to tour the new unit that includes a comfortable waiting area, an ADA accessible restroom and two workstations that will be staffed by experienced program technicians who are able to complete eligibility determinations, process benefits applications and changes to active cases, and receive documents for Medi-Cal and other Social Services programs in remote locations.  The Mobile Office will also enable ICDSS staff to supplement current outreach efforts and can be utilized as a disaster response vehicle to efficiently respond to impacted areas throughout the county in the event of an emergency.

“Through the support of our County’s leadership, we are proud of this accomplishment to implement a mobile office and demonstrate our commitment to efficient and effective use of resources,” said Social Services Director Peggy Price.

Last year, the Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of a mobile vehicle to increase access points and provide on-site services to communities in outlying areas who have difficulty accessing services.

For more information about the ICDSS Mobile Office, please contact Peggy Price, Director of Social Services at (760) 337-6884.