We do not offer food. Here’s where you can find food.
No distribuimos alimentos. Encuentre comida gratis aquí.
我們不直接提供食物，但我們能幫助您找尋食物。
What is the SAWS Migration?
SAWS stands for the Statewide Automated Welfare System. For many decades, California counties have used one of three different technology software systems for eligibility determination and benefits calculation, CalWIN, C-IV, and LRS. The SAWS systems include a number of ancillary services, such as document imaging, online public portals, and contact center software that connect with each county’s SAWS system. Find out more at the CalSAWS Project website.
California counties worked in partnership with State Health and Human Services departments and the federal government to consolidate the existing three consortia systems and functionality into one single system: California Statewide Automated Welfare System (CalSAWS). This consolidation heavily leveraged existing investments in technology rather than building a new system. (Per the SAWS Stakeholder Engagement landing page.) As of October 31, 2023, all 58 counties are using CalSAWS and the public-facing BenefitsCal website.
More information is available in this blog post from our partner, Western Center on Law and Poverty.
Our Priorities
The Advocates group established our initial priorities in 2018, focusing on consumer needs and the role of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) as benefits assisters in the social services ecosystem.
Over time, our priorities have remained focused on the needs of consumers and CBO assisters. One of the main focus areas has been the development of the public-facing website, BenefitsCal, which serves as the primary portal for consumer and CBO engagement. Priorities in this area have centered around equity for historically marginalized groups in the development of technology, reducing the burden for clients to submit information.
About Us:
Mission Statement: We are advocates and entities who envision a CalSAWS development and implementation that (1) maximizes ease of use for program applicants and beneficiaries, community-based organizations, and eligibility workers, (2) protects consumer rights; and (3) promotes continuous program improvement.
The California Association of Food Banks co-leads the CalSAWS Advocates Group, which meets regularly to develop recommendations and strategies for the various forums that support advocate engagement in the SAWS Migration and implementation, including:
Migration to BenefitsCal Timeline
Every county in California has transitioned to BenefitsCal.
*Looking Ahead
Interested in applying for CalFresh, Medical, and more? Visit BenefitsCal.
Interested in learning more or getting involved?:
Request to be added to the Advocates group, the User Center Design list, and/or the CalSAWS stakeholder meeting list.
Subscribe to CalSAWS project updates, including updates about BenefitsCal.
Contact gabriela.davidson@cafoodbanks.org if you have any questions.
Do you have clients who do not use email who can participate in User-Centered Design conversations about the types of alternative account creation methods that might work for them on BenefitsCal? Please email Jennifer@JennTracy.com to be connected to the User Design team.
Are you interested in joining the speaker’s bureau to provide public comment on your experience as a CBO using BenefitsCal at a CalSAWS meeting? Email Jennifer@JennTracy.com for more information.
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Alameda County Community Food Bank
AlchemistCDC
All Home
AltaMed Health Services
Arroyo Vista Family Health Center
Asian Pacific Healthcare Venture
Asian Pacific Islander Forward Movement
Bartz Altadonna Community Health Center
California Association of Food Banks
Catholic Charities Diocese of Fresno
Catholic Charities of California
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Stockton
Catholic Charities Orange County
Catholic Charities Yolo Solano
Catholic Charities, Dioces of San Diego
Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organization
Center for Healthy Communities
Central California Food Bank
ChapCare
Chinatown Service Center
Clarity Solutions Group
Code for America
Communities Actively Living Independent and Free
Community Bridges
Community Health Alliance of Pasadena
Community Health Councils, Inc
Community Services Unlimited
Community Resources for Independent Living
East Valley Community Health Center
Family Health Care Centers of Greater Los Angeles
Feeding San Diego
Food Literacy Center
Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano
Foodbank of Santa Barbara County
Hunger Action Los Angeles
Help Me Help You
Imperial Valley Food Bank
Independent Living Center of Southern California
JWCH (John Wesley Community Health) Institute
Kheir Clinic
Los Angeles LGBT Center
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
Legal Services of Northern California
Maternal and Child Health Access
National Health Foundation (NHF)
Northeast Valley Health Corporation
Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles
Placer Food Bank
Providence little company of Mary
Queenscare Health Centers
Redwood Coast Medical Services Healthcare
Redwood Empire Food Bank
River City Food bank
Rolling Start INC
Sacramento Covered
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
San Diego Food Bank
San Diego Hunger Coalition
San Francisco Marin Food Bank
Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz
Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley Independent Living Center
St. John’s Community Health
The Children’s Clinic Family Health
UC Berkeley Basic Needs Center
UC Irvine Basic Needs Center
Venice Family Clinic
Watts Healthcare Corporation
Western Center on Law and Poverty
Worksite Wellness LA
Yolo County Children’s Alliance
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