CSD Services Online, Meals for Seniors, Portable Handwashing Stations and More

In a crisis, quick turnaround and streamline of operations have proved imperative, especially when providing essential services to our most vulnerable population. During unprecedented times as this, the Community Services Department (CSD) continues its mission to provide Palm Beach County residents with the essential resources and services that families and individuals need to maintain self-sufficiency and ensure they remain on path to economic mobility and sustainability.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has forced organizations worldwide to shift operations towards an online platform. Years of data analysis, strategic planning and project implementations gave CSD the advantage to continue its operation seamlessly and uninterruptedly, by providing services online through CSD’s Online System for Community Access to Resources and Social Services (OSCARSS), an electronic application system that can be accessed online from any computer or mobile device.

Although CSD offices were closed to avoid further spread of the virus, residents remained able to continue to apply for services online, such as rent, utility and emergency services, and recently added to the OSCARSS systems, CSD’s Division of Human Services (DHS) Indigent Burial Program. This program assists low-income families with cremation services for their loved ones, as well as serves unclaimed/abandoned cases from the medical examiner’s office, hospitals, nursing homes and funeral homes in our community.

Through OSCARSS, families are able to apply online and submit their paperwork for eligibility without the need of an in-person appointment. CSD leveraged DocuSign’s authentication feature that allows validity of the client’s identification for the application process.

“Access to services becomes a challenge and almost impossible if a person does not have someone he or she can depend on to come into an office to apply for essential services, such as emergency utility bill assistance, rental assistance and other services provided by CSD, especially now during this pandemic,” said CSD Assistant Director Taruna Malhotra. “OSCARSS has proven to bridge the gap between our clients and services. With this system, clients can create an account on CSD’s website to apply for services and submit an electronic application by scanning or taking a picture of their documents using their computers or phones.”

Additionally, DHS’ Homeless Outreach Team ensured that the most vulnerable populations were well-informed with COVID-19 resources and information by placing posters and portable handwashing stations at key congregation areas to prevent the spread of the virus.

CSD’s Division of Senior Services (DOSS), in partnership with Palm Tran and the Area Agency on Aging, is connecting seniors with essential services, including meals. Meal distribution sites have been set up for “drop and go” services at the county’s three senior centers, and home-delivered meals continue to be provided. DOSS provides case management and in-home services to seniors in need, including food. Call the Area Agency on Aging Helpline at 1-866-684-5885 for assistance.

DOSS is providing reassurance telephone calls to designated clients to monitor their safety and provide social support. DOSS’s dedicated team makes weekly telephone calls to homebound seniors to provide conversation and verify the senior’s well-being. 

The Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) which assists low-income households, with at least one person age 60 and older, when the households are experiencing a home energy emergency are completing applications by OSCARSS or telephone with back-up information being mailed or dropped off at the designated meal distribution sites.

Therapeutic robotic pets used for socially isolated seniors living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are being offered through a Department of Elder Affairs initiative. The interactive pets help with social isolation and depression among DOSS’s homebound clients living with Alzheimer’s or dementia to help improve mood and reduce stress for caregivers.

To apply for CSD services online visit www.pbcgov.com/OSCARSS. Seniors in need of utility assistance may call (561) 355-4766.  For additional information or questions, please call (561) 355-4792.