Charles Driskell of Rancho Mirage needs help with everyday basics, from going to the store to paying his bills. He lost vision and one of his legs, after falling into a diabetic coma, and now he relies on In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), a program offered through the State's Department of Social Services.
"I wouldn't exist without it," said Driskell. "I would probably be on the street, or in some sort of home."
An estimated 460,000 children and adults are served by the program statewide.
As California faces a $19 billion budget deficit and slashes services across the State, IHSS faces a proposed 60% cut, or $750 million. Painful cuts have hit all departments from health to education. State leaders say cuts are inevitable.
However in-home care providers, including Chuck Amendola, worry scaling back IHSS will hurt those most vunerable.
"These are the folks who are least likely to take care of themselves," said Amendola, who fears cuts could mean reduced hours and tougher qualifications for need help.
"I don't really know what to say..what the solution would be," said Charles Driskell of the state budget crisis.
However, he knows he does need in-home support.
"It's what's actually keeping me alive," Driskell said.
State lawmakers are still debating the proposal and potential budget cuts.
