Data sources
To analyze the impact of the program on the outcomes of interest, referral and uptake rates, we leveraged two data sources. First, we utilized individual-level data from CalCONNECT, a state-managed system built on a Salesforce cloud platform that the County and other local public health departments in California used to manage and investigate COVID-19 cases. Within CalCONNECT, contact tracers could create referrals to resource coordinators and clinicians as needed for each client. We observe whether a contact tracer opened a referral for a given individual, as well as the identified need: cash assistance, rental assistance, groceries or cleaning supplies, and motel placement. CalCONNECT also contains demographic data (Second, we utilized IQSP data used for tracking resource delivery for individuals. These data track whether resources ended up being approved or delivered to the individual, allowing us to measure uptake rate overall and for the primary IQSP services of rental assistance, monetary reimbursements for food and cleaning supplies, and motel placement. Uptake records on cash assistance were unavailable.