San Francisco Human Services Agency Reviews Budget and Addressing Growing Community Needs

The San Francisco County Board of Supervisors convened on June 16, 2021, to discuss the budget and operations of the Human Services Agency (HSA) and its three departments: the Department of Disability and Aging Services, the Office of Early Care and Education, and the newly renamed Department of Benefits and Family Support. The meeting highlighted the agency's ongoing efforts to address community needs, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The session began with an overview of the HSA's structure and budget. The agency aims to provide administrative support while leveraging state and federal funds to minimize the impact on the city’s general fund. The budget presentation indicated that approximately one-third of the HSA budget is allocated to the Department of Disability and Aging Services, with similar proportions for the Office of Early Care and Education and the Department of Benefits and Family Support.

Key discussions included the significant increase in caseloads for benefit programs during the pandemic, as many families turned to services like Medi-Cal and CalFresh due to job losses. The agency reported a projected stabilization or slight decrease in these caseloads as the economy improves. Additionally, the Department of Benefits and Family Support is focusing on workforce development initiatives to assist individuals in returning to work.

The meeting also addressed the digital divide, with the agency providing broadband access and digital literacy training to families. A notable initiative is the expansion of the local tax credit for working families, which aims to support approximately 4,000 families annually.

Kelly Dearman, Director of the Department of Disability and Aging Services, presented budget highlights, including funding for a new senior safety program in response to violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. The Dignity Fund, which supports services for older adults and individuals with disabilities, is set to receive a mandated growth of $3 million next year, focusing on nutrition and wellness programs.

In her presentation, Ingrid Mesquita, Director of the Office of Early Care and Education, emphasized the importance of expanding access to high-quality early care and education. Following the passage of Proposition C, the office plans to enhance infrastructure for infants and toddlers and improve compensation for early learning providers. The goal is to create a more family-friendly environment in San Francisco.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the funding of family resource centers, which are vital for supporting families and children. Concerns were raised about the sustainability of funding for these centers, with calls for exploring additional funding sources to ensure long-term support.

Overall, the meeting underscored the HSA's commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the community, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the pandemic, while also laying the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of San Francisco's residents.