About SoCal EP
Expert emergency planning grounded in real-world experience
Dr. Halima Phillips-Smith
Program Manager of Mass Sheltering
California Department of Social Services (CDSS)
Dr. Halima Phillips-Smith is an emergency management professional specializing in mass sheltering, disaster response, and recovery operations, with a focus on underserved and access and functional needs populations.
She currently serves as Program Manager of Mass Sheltering with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), leading planning, coordination, and response efforts across San Diego and Imperial Counties. Her work ensures that sheltering operations are accessible, equitable, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable communities during emergencies.
Recent Disaster Experience
Dr. Phillips-Smith has played active roles in major disaster operations, including the 2024 San Diego flooding and the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. She has supported both response and recovery through work in Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) and Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs), helping displaced residents access shelter, resources, and long-term recovery support.
Education
PhD in Emergency Management, Capella University
Dissertation: "Bridging the Gap: Exploring Disaster Preparedness, Challenges, and Community Engagement for Senior Citizens in Southern California"
This research examines critical gaps in preparedness among older adults and highlights the need for stronger local outreach and community engagement.
Certifications & Training
- FEMA Incident Command System
- Emergency Operations
- Mass Care
- Disaster Recovery
Areas of Focus
- Mass Sheltering & Emergency Assistance
- Disaster Response & Recovery Operations
- EOC Coordination
- Access & Functional Needs / Inclusive Planning
- Community Preparedness & Outreach
Our Mission
SoCal EP exists to help organizations across Southern California prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. We believe every community deserves accessible, equitable emergency planning that accounts for the most vulnerable among us.
With real-world experience from major California disasters and deep expertise in inclusive planning, we help our clients build resilience from the ground up.