My Trip to the Department of Human Services Ruffin Road, San Diego , Ca. 92124

So far, my most memorable trip was to the Department of Human Services off Ruffin Road San Diego.   As I walked into the very familiar setting of people sitting in all the “chair desks” strollers about and another long line.  It is 8:30 am and I was hoping to have beat the crowds to the lines, NOT, it’s abnormally crowded. 

One thing I am glad about , or should be nervous about is so far there are no long lines of families waiting for the H1N1 shots.  Other peoples germs sort of freak me out.

Anyway, as usual the place is crowded and I get in line and an old dirty guy falls in right behind me.  I’m not feeling patient today, I feel like this guy is hovering, only one person behind the counter seems to be moving in a semi coherent fashion. I am trying not to get annoyed by the smell wafting in my direction. Bad breath and sweat, yuk.

A lady emerges from the back, and boldly and loudly announces that their computer systems are slow today, they are short staffed, and they appreciate our cooperation during these tough economic times…

There was a hush across the room, and when she finished speaking, a loud chatter began.  One by one people began to approach a side area with issues. I was beginning to feel a panic attack coming on;my hands grew cold.  I could see the agitation in the room,I could feel it.  I assessed the situation and determined every families ethnic origin and every persons probable story during my 35 min wait . (only 8 people in front of me)  Just as I get to a window with an attendant , they open three more windows.

I told the lady that my landlord has thrown us out (recent lack of ability to pay rent) we are homeless, and temporarily displaced. I told her we needed food stamp, and whatever else they have to help us back up. I was asked to sit, wait for my name to be called and fill out the papers. not much else could be answered at this station.

She asked me to complete many forms on paper, The children's personal information, mine, Social numbers, bank accounts,  I sat and competed many  many forms. It took about 20 minutes. I heard my name called and met with a counselor , she spoke little English, well maybe she spoke English but it was not clear, I had a difficulty understanding her , but I did understand that she was going to expedite my request and get us immediate help.  The food stamp would be loaded and available because we were in immediate need, All I had to do was attend all of the orientations.  Each 15 min long , next showing 30 min’s. Corny  videos completed.

We are two hours into this process and I’m getting hungry , not a drop of food , hot tea, coffee, or something to sooth the tension in this room. It’s stuffy and as usual there is a baby and a little brother in the strollers making it harder on a mom to take care of her business. While I will admit some are very cute, in these situations it’s never fun to be with mom , the tension is thick.

My name was called for fingerprinting while I was in with the councilor so I had to wait again, in front of fingerprinting, but it was full. I went to ask a counter person for extra help and I was dismissed. Mind you I am wearing sweat pants and a Military PT sweatshirt with US ARMY written on the front a Patch  over my heart.  I am a veteran,  but I am dismissed? I walk back to the open floor, as I do an interpreter, with 7 Farsi speaking people, a family, asks for a line jump in fingerprinting because they need expedited service.   They went in front of me, I was not happy anymore , I was hungry and insulted. whether or not I had a right to determine that my need was greater than theirs didn’t matter. All that matter was all of the programing in my mind which shows where foreigners are getting better service than Vets, and citizens. That’s what rushed across my mind, and I was hungry.

Finally finger printed and after receiving my EBT card, I thought I was good to go. I walked outside and was greeted by the dirty old guy , he talk to me and as we talk we saw the Farsi people come out from the building , they get into a parked shinny black Mercedes ??? no kidding??  

I got home only to find out that I did not receive expedited services no food stamps , no cash aid. our electric was shut off, we sat in the dark for two weeks. 

I personally find their process unorganized, and not client friendly. Why cant we have computer stations where we could all go to online help desk, Skype services, and other newer age communication and database warehousing.

Completely unorganized and miserable experience.

In there defense , since my last visit, a new computer system has been implemented. It is designed to help you with the process to apply for food stamp (SNAP)  I have to say that they did get it together just few weeks ago and it is wonderful, HINT even if  their program on line says you would not qualify  please continue with the form, and submit it.  This is the only serve we as citizens should have to file. Once we have come to this location , our information should be distributed to out reach resources of our choice. I will explain this in my next blog about Inter faith Services , Catholic Charities, and Jewish Family Services.

Pamela Sorrentino