Help where you need it: Social services in North County and West Valley
Supervisor Simitian led the County in keeping a Social Services Agency office open in Mountain View so North County clients would not have to travel to San Jose to receive important benefits like Medi-Cal and CalFresh. To further improve local access to social services and resources, Supervisor Simitian promoted assigning County eligibility workers to North County community non-profits a few days each week and sponsored funding to convert an RV into a Mobile Pantry that brings groceries, necessities, and a case worker to seniors, disabled, and low-income residents in Saratoga, Los Gatos, West San Jose, Cupertino, Mountain View, Los Altos and beyond.
Supporting awareness of CalFresh Food
CalFresh Foods is California’s name for the federal food program called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. Recipients receive cash every month for fresh and nutritious groceries. Eligible residents in the West Valley and North County utilize CalFresh the least when compared to the rest of Santa Clara County, and it is Supervisor Simitian’s goal to connect those who need food assistance to this program.
Addressing food insecurity
Food insecurity is an often-unseen hardship that affects residents in Santa Clara County. Low-income families, and their children, are especially susceptible to food insecurity concerns. When financial uncertainties occur, families often cut their food budgets in favor of other expenses. Supervisor Simitian has worked with local community-based organizations to help provide supplemental food assistance for those who might otherwise go hungry.
Support for victims of domestic violence
While domestic violence may be under-reported, it doesn’t mean it isn’t happening, and too many victims are suffering in silence. To help those in the North County who are confronting spousal abuse or domestic violence, Supervisor Simitian proposed County support for organizations supporting individuals questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship and providing case management services.