Sonoma County rolled out its “Open Doors” mobile service vans for the first time on Monday, parking a 24-foot government office on wheels at Alexander Valley Healthcare in Cloverdale to serve residents who otherwise face 66-mile round trips to reach county offices.
Key Takeaways
- Sonoma County launched two mobile service vans on April 21, beginning in Cloverdale at Alexander Valley Healthcare on Tarman Drive.
- The vans are staffed by the Human Services Department, Department of Health Services, and Department of Child Support Services.
- Services available on-site include CalFresh and Medi-Cal enrollment, Electronic Benefits Transfer card pickup, child support case management, and behavioral health referrals.
- Cloverdale residents face a 66-mile round-trip drive to county offices; Healdsburg residents travel 34 miles — a significant burden with gas averaging roughly $7 per gallon.
- The Board of Supervisors allocated roughly $800,000 to purchase and equip both vans; upcoming stops include Windsor on May 5 and Healdsburg on May 12.
Why the county built the vans
For years, residents of Cloverdale, Healdsburg, and other northern Sonoma County communities have had limited options for accessing social services in person. A round trip from Cloverdale to the county’s main Human Services offices in Santa Rosa covers roughly 66 miles — a significant fuel cost at today’s prices, before accounting for lost wages or childcare.
The Board of Supervisors approved the roughly $800,000 program in 2023 after county data showed transportation barriers were a leading reason residents failed to complete benefit applications or lost coverage they qualified for. Board Chair Rebecca Hermosillo said the vans reflect a straightforward premise: “Open Doors Mobile Services brings County resources and support directly into those neighborhoods.”
The timing carries extra weight this spring. As federal cuts threaten Medi-Cal and CalFresh coverage for roughly 30,000 Sonoma County residents, county officials are working to make the safety net easier to access — not harder. New County Executive David Guhin, who began leading county government this week, has identified expanding access to services in underserved communities as a priority.
What services are available on the van
Each van is staffed by workers from three departments: Human Services, Health Services, and Child Support Services. According to the county, a resident can accomplish the following in a single visit: create a BenefitsCal account and apply for CalFresh food assistance or Medi-Cal health coverage; pick up an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card; work through a child support case with a case manager; and get connected to behavioral health services, nutrition support, employment assistance, and referrals to local nonprofit organizations. Staff can also assist elderly and disabled residents with dedicated programs. The county reported that no appointment is necessary — walk-ins are welcome at all pop-up locations.
Upcoming schedule
After Monday’s Cloverdale stop at Alexander Valley Healthcare on Tarman Drive, the vans are scheduled to visit Windsor on May 5 at Calvary Chapel River Fellowship and Healdsburg on May 12 at Corazon Healdsburg. Additional communities are expected to be added to the rotation. Residents can find the current schedule and more information at opendoorssc.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to use the Open Doors van?
No appointment is required to visit the van at any of its scheduled stops — walk-ins are welcome. The county recommends checking opendoorssc.com in advance to confirm the van’s location and hours for each community.
What documents should I bring to apply for CalFresh or Medi-Cal?
Bringing identification, proof of address, and income documentation will help staff process applications more quickly, according to the county. Staff can still open a case without complete documentation and follow up later.
When will the van come to Windsor or Healdsburg?
The van is scheduled in Windsor on May 5 at Calvary Chapel River Fellowship and in Healdsburg on May 12 at Corazon Healdsburg. The full and updated schedule is available at opendoorssc.com.
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