San Luis Obispo - Caltrans - State of California
San Luis Obispo - Caltrans - State of California
San Luis Obispo - Caltrans - State of California
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SAN LUIS OBISPO REGION<br />
COORDINATED HUMAN SERVICES-PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PLAN<br />
Economic Opportunity Commission (EOC) Interview, <strong>San</strong> <strong>Luis</strong> <strong>Obispo</strong><br />
April 13, 2007<br />
Six participants representing the Headstart program, Adult services Central and South County,<br />
Adult services North County and agency planning<br />
Agency Background<br />
Largely federally funded, this was originally a Community Action Agency that grew out <strong>of</strong> the<br />
War on Poverty. Most <strong>of</strong> those did not survive; EOC did survive and currently operates in 13<br />
<strong>California</strong> counties. Programs include: Headstart; Federal, state, county and local funding for<br />
homeless and lowest income; FEMA programs and HUD programs. Funding is applied for<br />
annually to various sources. A major grant is split with Transitions Mental Health agency. EOC<br />
collaborates with the Housing Authority for HUD funding and some case management funding.<br />
Other funding sources include Federal block grants from DHHS and CDGB funding from county<br />
sources.<br />
Direct services include: Headstart for young children and for migrant children; child welfare and<br />
child protective services.<br />
County Dept. <strong>of</strong> Social Services (DSS) contracts with EOC to provide selective services.<br />
Issues and Needs<br />
North County – Four case managers utilize 2 vans. These vehicles are constantly used, thus<br />
old, in need <strong>of</strong> replacement. Trips made include to college to sign up for classes; to social<br />
security, to variety <strong>of</strong> appointments related to obtaining services.<br />
Headstart program – Children ages 0 to 3 years. Federal emphasis is on poverty and early<br />
programming for children at risk. Own their own fleet and directly operate services. Providing<br />
transportation for a large percentage <strong>of</strong> consumers.<br />
• Transportation provided for a high percentage <strong>of</strong> children. Most not close enough to<br />
walk (some in Paso Robles) or parents cannot transport. Providing transportation for<br />
40 out <strong>of</strong> 60 in Paso Robles.<br />
• 1 bus for Los Osos, Sunny Side and Morro Bay Elementary Schools<br />
• 1 bus for Paso Robles and Atascadero<br />
• 1 bus for Nipomo; no service provided in the Five Cities (see below)<br />
• Total <strong>of</strong> 24 agency vehicles.<br />
• Nipomo providing transport for 40 out <strong>of</strong> 60 children.<br />
• Public Dial-a-Ride doesn’t work as car seats are required for those under 40 pounds<br />
and aren’t available.<br />
• Difficulties finding drivers. , who will pass the screenings; once found, hard to retain<br />
as the wages are higher with school bus transport.<br />
• In South County, five Cities parents <strong>of</strong>ten need much help with transportation and if<br />
they bring their children to Headstart by public transit, that means 4 trips per day for<br />
the parent – one each out and back at beginning and end <strong>of</strong> the day. Children are<br />
traveling alone in the vehicles (without parent) but with an on-board attendant, in<br />
addition to the driver.<br />
• Atascadero children travel alone; used to have a larger program; now smaller.<br />
• Currently there are children on the Headstart waiting lists.<br />
• Children travel from end <strong>of</strong> August to mid-May; about 10 months per year; traveling 5<br />
times a week, 2 trips per day; about a half day (3 ½ hours program).<br />
168<br />
OCTOBER 2007