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County's first zero-net-energy facility
Auburn, Calif. – Placer County celebrates its new Health and Human Services Center, a "one-stop" service center for Auburn and the foothills area, improving public access to services and replaces the multiple World War II-era facilities that had previously housed HHS programs ranging from mental health and substance use treatment to public benefits.
The facility consolidates existing staff and services from six divisions and is the county's first zero-net-energy facility, generating as much electricity as it consumes over the course of a year using photovoltaic panels. HHS services from six divisions (Adult System of Care, Children's System of Care, Public Health, Human Services, Environmental Health and Administration) will begin operation in the new building over the course of the next month. HHS also houses the county's Animal Services team, whose animal shelter is located further down B Avenue.
Accessible and efficient
"The HHS Center will help facilitate more accessible, efficient and effective services for our residents," said District 4 Supervisor and Board Chair Suzanne Jones "Rather than traveling to multiple run-down buildings to access social services in the Auburn area, a resident can find them all in one place."
"The thoughtful and inclusive design and construction processes have helped create an inviting, collaborative and state-of-the-art space."
Jane Christenson, County Chief Executive Officer
Multi-year project
A multi-year project that is a key component of the county's Government Center Master Plan, the new center was collaboratively designed to streamline access to services. Its key features are both welcoming and cutting-edge: a central lobby, large training and meeting spaces for county and community use, a two-story open space area dubbed "Collaboration Street" that promotes integration between program teams, a play area for children, outdoor patios for visitors and county employees and a river-themed landscape entry.
"The county formed a strong partnership with our design-build team, with open communication and a shared commitment to resolving challenges collaboratively and creatively throughout the design and construction processes. The result is a beautiful and functional facility to serve the community into the next century," said Department of Facilities Management Director Steve Newsom.
At 143,000 square feet, the building is designed to accommodate growth in the county for years to come.
"Demand for our HHS services is growing, as our community continues to grow. With the new HHS Center we are well positioned to meet residents' needs."
Cindy Gustafson, District 5 Supervisor
"This was an important and long-needed investment in our community and our Health & Human Services staff," said District 3 Supervisor Jim Holmes.
"Our dozens of programs share a common vision of building a healthier community, together," said Dr. Rob Oldham, director of Health and Human Services. "The HHS Center brings us closer to that vision and will be a crucial hub of services for the future, not just for clients but for the many partners we work with to make Placer one of the healthiest places to live."