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September 2024

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Dear Community Members,


Scroll down for information on how to avoid EBT theft; a new affordable housing opportunity for farmworker households; BenefitsCal, an easy way to apply for and manage your benefits online; resources to find free food near you; upcoming events; and more!

Protect Your Benefits With the ebtEDGE App


The FREE ebtEDGE mobile and web app provides new features for Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders, allowing you to better protect your CalFresh and CalWORKs benefits from electronic theft.


The app allows you to:


  • Use fingerprint and facial recognition.
  • Connect multiple EBT accounts.
  • Block out-of-state and internet transactions.
  • Freeze and unfreeze your card.
  • Request a replacement card.
  • Change your PIN.
  • And more!


The app is available for download on Google Play and the Apple App Store.


No mobile device? No problem! You can manage your account online at: EBT.ca.gov

Latino Heritage Month graphic featuring woman wearing colorful dress and hair pieces. Text reads: Celebrating Latino Heritage Month September 15-October 15. County of Ventura Human Services logo at bottom

Every year during Latino Heritage Month, our nation honors the histories, cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans and celebrates heritage rooted in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.


Right here in Ventura County, Latino culture and influence are felt far and wide, from music and food to art and architecture. This month and always, we proudly celebrate the generations of Latinos who have contributed to the vibrance, strength and diversity of our community.

Thank you to everyone who came out to the County of Ventura 2024 Career & Resource Expo last month. We loved meeting you and sharing information about all of the different career opportunities available within HSA. Keep visiting Ventura.org/jobs to view latest job openings.

September is National Preparedness Month

Time to Make a Plan


Earthquakes, wildfires and other disasters often occur without warning. Having a plan and emergency supply kits handy will help provide peace of mind and allow you to better handle any emergency you’re faced with.


If you’re away from your family members when disaster strikes, it’s important to know how to reach each other and where to meet if you can’t get home. Visit ReadyVenturaCounty.org now to get started on your family’s emergency plan.


A basic emergency supply kit should include:


  • Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
  • Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle (to signal for help)
  • Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
  • Wet wipes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal hygiene)
  • Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
  • Manual can opener (for food)
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery


View additional items you may wish to include in your kit. Consider keeping an extra supply kit in your car and at work in case you’re stranded.


And make sure to sign up for VC Alert to receive local emergency alerts by phone, text and/or email.

CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program


The CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program allows clients age 60 and older, people with disabilities, and individuals experiencing homelessness to use their EBT card to purchase meals from participating restaurants. Spouses of older adults and of people with disabilities are also eligible. 


Look for participating restaurants displaying the Restaurant Meals Program sign, or call 888-472-4463 for a list of participating restaurants.


This program does not affect your CalFresh benefits in any way. Visit our website for complete details.

Download the new Food Share app to find free food now, learn about programs for seniors & kids, register to volunteer, and more!
Suicide Prevention Month Awareness 2024 banner

Suicide Prevention Month is a time to remember the lives lost to suicide, the millions who have struggled with suicidal thoughts and the families that have been impacted. You can make a difference by learning the risk factors and warning signs of suicide and how to support someone who is having suicidal thoughts.


The 988 Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7 for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. If you or someone you know is in need of crisis support, call or text 9-8-8 to receive help from a trained counselor.

Adult male sitting on couch and looking down at open laptop on coffee table

Virtual Veteran Services Orientation


The Employment Development Department and America's Job Center of California (AJCC) invite veterans and their family members to attend an orientation of services available to veterans. This event will take place on Zoom, Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 10-11:30 a.m. and will include information about:


  • AJCC employment and training programs.
  • Counseling and rehabilitation to get back to work and civilian life.
  • VA education and medical benefits as well as federal and local benefits.


Call 805-288-8400 to register and receive the Zoom meeting link.

People's Place flyer. New affordable housing for farmworkers. Learn more & apply: pshhc.org/PPL

Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 6 - 12

Smoke Alarms Save Lives


This year's Fire Prevention Week campaign centers around the importance of smoke alarms. Data shows that the majority of U.S. home fire deaths continue to occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.


Take action now to protect yourself and your loved ones:


  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of your home.
  • Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
  • Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
  • Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or don’t respond when tested.


Visit the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website for more safety tips.

Adult male seated on coach. Two young children putting their arms around him, all smiling.

The BenefitsCal website is an easy way to get the help you need with food, employment, health care, and more! Visit the site to:

 

  • Apply for benefits.
  • Upload documents.
  • Report changes.
  • Connect with a caseworker.
  • Request a replacement benefit card.

 

BenefitsCal will even send you reminders when it's time to renew your benefits, which you can also do online! Visit BenefitsCal.com to create your account today.

Is It Time to Renew Your Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal members: Be sure to check your mail for important Medi-Cal renewal information. If you’ve moved in the last three years, make sure to update your contact information.


Renewing Medi-Cal coverage is FREE and can be done by mail, phone, in person or online to avoid a gap in health coverage.


For additional information, including instructions on how to complete your renewal form, visit: KeepMedicalCoverage.org

If Applying for or Renewing Your Medi-Cal ...


Watch this video to learn about the income questions on the Medi-Cal application or renewal form and how to answer them. For more information, visit the Medi-Cal website.

Social media-themed image. Text reads: Follow HSA on social media. Stay up to date on the latest agency news and ways we're helping the community!
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For more updates, visit the Ventura County Human Services Agency website: VCHSA.org

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