Thinking Outside the Box in San Francisco: How a Government Office Normally Known for Helping People with Disabilities to Find Work Now Includes Helping Them to Also Find a Place to Live

Welcome to Accessible Housing Matters!

 

In today’s episode, I welcome Ben Tran and Gurinder Pabla

 

My guests Ben Tran and Gurinder Pabla work in the San Francisco office of the California State Department of Rehabilitation.   Ben is the District Operations Support Manager, and Gurinder is the Community Resource Navigator.  

 

Listen to find out more about:

 

[00:01 - 06:12] Opening Segment

I welcome Ben Tran and Gurinder Pabla to the Show Bio Ben shares what the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) does Promoting employment independence and equality Rehabilitation departments and services in different states When the number of DOR’s clients fluctuates, it’s positive! Gurinder talks about his role in the department

 

[06:13 - 14:37] Thinking Outside the Box in San Francisco

Rehabilitation to Housing Who does the DOR focus on? Sharing resources to the client community How Gurinder finds the resources Housing Navigation Services  Service for the Homeless Help and Support from the Mayor’s Office

 

[14:38 - 27:05] From Jobs to Houses

Serving the people as an individual 1% at a time Stop the Stop Mentality Gurinder tells the story of one of their most impactful clients Quality if Success versus Quantity of Success Ensuring the safety of homes

 

 [27:06 - 30:03] Closing Segment

See links below to know more about Ben Tran and Gurinder Pabla Final word

Tweetable Quote/s:

 

“We didn't start out with stop mentality, we started out with ‘How can we serve our consumer as well as the community that we are housing and be a part of that community?’” - Ben Tran

 

“I like to have results. So just even that one successful housing means a lot because that's one person that has found their home. ” - Gurinder Pabla

 

You can connect with Ben and Gurinder through visiting California Department of Rehabilitation. Link to “Get Started” section of DOR Website:  https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/GettingStarted. 

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Accessible Housing Matters is dedicated to raising awareness about important issues around accessibility and housing, and getting conversations going. I'd love to learn more about what's on your mind, and get your feedback about the show. Contact me directly at [email protected] to share your thoughts or arrange a call.