The teamwork demonstrated by Placer County in response to the COVID-19 pandemic earned extraordinary recognition from the California State Association of Counties.
Two of the county’s Human Services programs aimed at alleviating the pandemic’s economic impacts were honored with top awards.
Placer’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program, led by both the county and the City of Roseville, received the Challenge Award for quick delivery of assistance to residents who sought help to pay for rent and utility bills during the most difficult moments of the pandemic.
Due to the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, many communities faced challenges in dispersing assistance to those in need. Placer County was acknowledged for its ability to collaborate with other regional partners to streamline the online application process. To date, county residents have received more than $10.2 million.
Local nonprofits also played a vital role. For example, the Placer Community Foundation and 211 Placer helped lead efforts to raise community awareness about the availability of assistance programs. Kudos also goes to AMI Housing and Sierra Community House for processing applications.
Civic leaders praised the partnerships and said that the community’s collective efforts spared residents from displacement and other devastating impacts.
The other program to receive recognition is the Resource Huddle’s virtual tools, which gave customers access to employment resources without having to leave their homes. The format features customization so each visitor can see job leads that make the most sense to them.
Despite the pandemic and the many challenges it produced, Placer County leaders and community organizations banded together to find ways to serve the various needs of all community members. While the public health response component garnered a lot of attention, deservingly so, the statewide awards applauds the county’s important work of getting people financial support in housing and employment.