The ‘Critical Delivery Service’ is aimed at helping the elderly and people with disabilities

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced people to stay home, Joel Corderio and his partner found themselves at a crossroads as they are both seniors and with
disabilities.

They say that since March they have stayed at home and have only gone out in dire need.

Corderio, 69, said she initially had to go to the good heart of a friend who was going to buy her groceries.

A few weeks later, she found out about Los Angeles County’s new “Critical Delivery Service” program, which is dedicated to delivering purchases to your doorstep, at no extra charge.

“I was amazed when I found out about this program because that way we no longer had to bother my friend and the food they bring is fresh,” said the new user of the service.

Corderio indicated that he had already tried using other delivery services, such as Instacart and Costco, but adds that he did not like any of them as purchases were not complete or delivery was not on time.

“But this service has been a great help, so when I order at Ralph’s they no longer charge me the $ 6.95 shipping cost since a taxi driver from the program picks up my pantry,” he explained.

“[La compra] He leaves her outside the house and so there is no contact. Then I wait a while before putting her in the house and disinfecting everything. It’s very safe”.

Kimberly Madison, human service administrator for the Department of Workforce Development, Aging, and Community Services (WDACS), said the New Freedom Critical Delivery Services program was created out of a need that users began to face.

The pandemic forced the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions to stay home. WDACS looked for ways to continue serving them as many, prior to the pandemic, relied on the Department’s transportation service to run their errands on a daily basis.

Of the services they have, the mileage reimbursement for volunteer drivers – taxi service providers – the taxi program was the best ally to be able to carry out the delivery service of purchases to the participating members.

On April 5, WDACS began this shopping delivery program.

“From April 4 to August 18, we have served 2,096 clients and provided more than 16,000 delivery services,” explained Madison.

So far the program is available to continue serving the community most in need until November 30. However, WDACS hopes to be able to expand it to December or until the first quarter of 2021.

Joel Corderio (right) and his partner are both CDS clients. (Supplied)

How does it work?

The Critical Delivery Service program is exclusive to those residing in Los Angeles County who are 60 years of age or older; or any adult with disabilities.

Purchases must be paid for by the customer. Only shipping is free of charge. Purchases can be from grocery stores, household items, personal hygiene items, pharmacy, and even hardware and garden service purchases for those who are growing their own food.

Madison said that purchases can be ordered by the interested customer or a family member.

“That is, if for example I am a daughter and my mother lives on the other side of the city and I went to Costco and I want to divide my purchases with her, I can call the Critical Delivery Service and they will pick up what I prepared for my mother and give it to her. they will deliver for free, ”he explained.

To request the service, call 1 (888) 863-7411 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Once approved, the user has access to four shipments per week, or a maximum of 40 miles.

Once the customer places their order and pays, they must call the aforementioned number so that the program coordinator will assign one of the taxis to pick up the pantry and take it to its destination.

For more information on the Critical Delivery Service program you can visit the WDACS page HERE

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