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County unveils Open Doors mobile services; approves IHSS public authority manager contract
Summary
Sonoma County marked the launch of two Open Doors mobile service vans to provide neighborhood-level safety-net services and approved a contract extending the IHSS Public Authority Manager's appointment for three years, citing the program's role serving thousands of residents.
Sonoma County on April 14 unveiled a mobile services initiative called Open Doors and approved a key personnel contract for the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Public Authority.
County staff described two vans configured to bring human-services, health services and child-support assistance to neighborhoods across the county to reduce barriers such as transportation and to partner with community-based organizations. The first community visit was scheduled for Cloverdale on April 21, with a public open house and vendor-host sites posted to the county Open Doors website.
"Service delivery in the vans will focus on areas of the county not well served by our existing county offices and they will strive to reduce barriers to access, including transportation and apprehension about coming into county service buildings," the director said. The program will start with a few visits and scale up based on community needs; the Board praised staff and community partners for putting the program together.
The board also approved a contract to continue Eric Glenszer (Eric Glenser in public presentation) as the IHSS Public Authority Manager from May 16, 2026 through May 15, 2029, describing the role as critical to overseeing provider screening, training and recruitment for a program that supports thousands of county residents. County staff noted there are more than 8,300 IHSS providers delivering care that enables 8,771 residents to remain in their homes.
The motions to authorize the IHSS manager contract and to celebrate the mobile services initiative passed by recorded roll call vote. Supervisors commended the county's effort to meet residents where they are and noted the IHSS program's value to families and caregivers in the county.
What happens next: Open Doors will begin community visits and the county will monitor usage and adapt schedules. The contract for the IHSS public authority manager takes effect on May 16, 2026.
