DPSS Community Outreach Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

The Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) is one of several County departments designated as an essential services provider in the event of a disaster or an emergency. The Department’s mission is to provide uninterrupted vital services to Los Angeles (LA) County’s most vulnerable residents. When COVID-19 impacted County operations in mid-March 2020, DPSS quickly pivoted to providing services online and by telephone through its Customer Service Centers (CSCs). The Department leveraged multiple internal and external digital communication platforms to continue the flow of critical benefit information to the public. This broadened the reach of DPSS’ civic engagement efforts and amplified its messaging about services available to LA County residents.The Department’s strategic virtual outreach efforts ensured ongoing delivery of vital information to the public, including expanded customer service hours and the availability of on-site paper applications located outside of DPSS district offices for those impacted by the pandemic’s economic downturn.