Planning, Research, Evaluation & Engagement (PREE)

Vision

Our vision is that HSD is an anti-racist innovative organization that transparently relies on data and the lived experiences of community to build and re-build equitable systems of services. 

Mission

Our mission is to drive systems change and equity in service delivery through innovative data analysis, policy development, and community engagement, collaborating with County staff and community partners to disrupt existing narratives and address root causes of community needs. 

Goals

• Provide data-driven, evidence-based strategies to improve program outcomes and achieve community goals.
• Explore and analyze social, economic, demographic, and other community-level data with a focus on equity and collaboration.
• Produce public-facing agency-wide data and evaluation reports on HSD’s core safety net programs.
• Lead strategic change management initiatives to elevate organizational capability.
• Provide trusted support, clarity, and connection to HSD Divisions and community partners.
• Develop policy recommendations to meet the safety net needs of our County, clients and communities we serve. 

Open Doors Mobile Services

Open Doors Mobile Services brings Sonoma County Human Services programs directly into the community—meeting people where they are. Designed to reduce barriers such as transportation, technology and distance to County offices, Open Doors deploys fully equipped mobile vehicles that provide on-the-spot support for benefits enrollment, referrals, and connection to safety net resources. By traveling to neighborhoods, rural areas, and community partner sites, the program expands access, promotes equity, and ensures residents can receive compassionate, person-centered services. 

Supporting Sonoma County, Together - OpenDoors

Open Doors is a community-centered initiative within the Human Services Department designed to reduce barriers and expand access to essential benefits and safety-net services. Through mobile outreach, streamlined enrollment support, and partnership with local organizations, Open Doors brings services directly to where people live, work, and gather—ensuring residents can connect to CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, and other vital programs without transportation or technology hurdles. Guided by PREE’s commitment to equity, dignity, and belonging, Open Doors meets people with compassion, practical support, and a clear pathway to stability and well-being.

Visit OpenDoorsSC.com, making it easier for residents to access essential services.

HSD Strategic Roadmap 2025-2027

This new 3-year strategic plan for Sonoma County Human Services Department sets the course for addressing our County's evolving needs, enhancing services and innovating ways to respond to workforce well-being, inclusive decision-making, and community engagement.  It aligns department-wide prioritiess with goals for equity, inclusion and belonging, service excellence and innovation.  Developed by HSD's Executive Team, Assistant Director, PREE Program Development Manager and staff, the HSD Strategic Roadmap charts a course to address high-level goals identified in the planning process. With phased implementation priorities and key performance measures, HSD's strategic plan aims to ensure coordinated, thoughtful progress on department priorities, strengthen alignment across programs, and support measurable improvements in how we serve Sonoma County residents.  PREE also assists HSD Divisions through strategic planning processes such as the Adult & Aging Roadmap. 

Trauma Informed Systems 

Trauma is a pervasive, long-lasting public health issue that affects individuals, our workforce, and the systems we rely on.  Organizations can experience trauma that leads to fragmentation, reactivity, numbing, and depersonalization—conditions that can unintentionally reinforce oppression and create harm. The Trauma Informed Systems (TIS) Initiative provides an organizational change model that helps HSD cultivate healing environments by strengthening resilience, improving workforce experience, and enhancing our ability to respond effectively to one another and to the community. Through TIS, we work to shift from trauma-organized patterns to compassionate, staff-centered models that sustain wellness, support recovery, and reduce the overall impact of trauma across our human services system.

HSD Insider Newsletter

The HSD Insider is our monthly internal newsletter designed to keep every staff member of the Human Services Department informed, connected, and inspired. Produced by the PREE Communications team, the Insider highlights key department updates, celebrates staff achievements, shares upcoming opportunities, and lifts up the innovative work happening across our divisions. Each issue aims to strengthen transparency, foster a sense of community, and ensure that all staff have access to timely, relevant information that supports our shared mission of serving Sonoma County residents with dignity and care.

HSD Data Report

Our latest Data Report highlights key programs by persons and cases per month, as of October 2025.  The expanded report offers insights on client demographics to help guide decisions on resource allocation, program design and future planning to ensure equitable outcomes for all.  Click here to view the report.

ARPA Community Resilience Program

On May 24, 2022, the Board of Supervisors approved nearly $40 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to assist individuals and households disproportionately affected by the economic impacts and public health disparities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The approved funding categories include: assistance to households/basic needs, childcare, education, community health, housing and shelter, mental health, worker assistance, small business and nonprofit support, and culturally responsive COVID-19 disaster response. A funding review committee recommended 27 proposals for funding. We extend our gratitude to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, County Executive's Office, County Office of Equity, community-based partners, review committee members, community and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure that the funds are allocated to address the disproportionate impacts of the pandemic in our community.

Click here to learn more about the ARPA Community Resilience Program. 

Anti-Racist Results Based Accountability Trainings (AR-RBA)

Interested in implementing Anti-Racist Results-Based Accountability?  Upstream Investments and the Sonoma County Human Services Department, in partnership with the Sonoma County Office of Equity, offers free courses and workshops. Our workshops are specifically designed to offer more space for practicing concepts. Racial equity prework is required for participation.

Click here for our current offerings.