CHOC Impact VP Terri Smyth Canillo Authors Guest Column in Coachella Valley Independent

On June 11, 2026, CHOC Community Impact's Vice President of Community Impact, Terri Smyth Canillo, MSW, authored a guest column in the Coachella Valley Independent making a compelling case for investing in on-site resident services beyond the minimum compliance threshold. Drawing on over three decades of social services experience and CHOC's direct work across its statewide portfolio — including Placita Dolores Huerta in Coachella and The Monarch Apartment Homes in Palm Springs — Terri illustrates how deeper staffing commitments lead to measurably better outcomes for residents, communities, and property owners alike.

Through two vivid, real-world examples — a child whose disruptive behavior masked a family in crisis, and a senior whose life was saved by a staff member who noticed her absence — the piece demonstrates that when staff have the time to build trust and respond early, the returns extend far beyond compliance. The piece reflects both CHOC Community Impact’s best practices in resident services and the organization's broader commitment to building affordable housing communities where residents don't just have a place to live — they have the support to truly thrive.

Our deep thanks to the CV Independent team and The Hoyt Organization’s Leeza Hoyt, MBA, APR, Andrew King, and Andrea Cosgrove for for their continued partnership in amplifying CHOC's voice and mission.

Read Terri's full column here.