DAS budget plan emphasizes IHSS, APS expansion and digital inclusion; commission approves budget and multiple contracts

The Department of Disability and Aging Services presented its proposed budgets for fiscal years 2022–23 and 2023–24 and the commission voted unanimously to forward the package to the mayor’s office after a public comment period.

Deputy Director Dan Kaplan said the apparent overall reduction from $455 million to $452 million masks program increases because about $43 million in one‑time COVID food coordination funding from the current year does not carry forward. He highlighted programmatic increases for IHSS (In‑Home Supportive Services), an expansion of Adult Protective Services (APS), and continued funding for the HomeSafe pilot to assist people at risk of homelessness.

Kaplan estimated an approximately $14.2 million increase in the city’s IHSS maintenance‑of‑effort (MOE) next fiscal year, driven by an inflation factor and a scheduled wage increase to $18.75 on July 1, 2022. “Creation of budgets is a task that involves many people,” Kaplan said, noting the proposal includes new staff to manage caseload growth and expanded services.

Executive Director Kelly Dearman outlined program needs tied to the budget, including 16 new APS positions to support an age expansion in presumptive eligibility (from 65 to 60), a $3.4 million HomeSafe funding increase to expand intensive case management, and investments in hybrid programming and device distribution that CASE proposed (tablet lending, training and technical support). Dearman told commissioners DAS is deploying staff to the new Tenderloin Linkages Center and distributing limited rapid antigen test kits to staff working in high‑risk settings.

Before the budget vote, two public callers — Cecile Pirets and Marie Jobling — urged the commission to expand digital equity funding and described a needs assessment that found technology remains a persistent barrier for older adults and people with disabilities. Pirets said 64 percent of survey respondents identified technology as a barrier to receiving critical services during the pandemic.

After public comment the commission approved the budget proposal and then voted on a batch of contract and grant items, all of which passed on unanimous roll calls. Key approvals included:

• ExcelSoft (REVA) contract modification — $87,439 (plus 10% contingency to $91,906) to continue an enrollment and orientation system that streamlines state mandatory provider enrollment and secure document storage for IHSS independent providers; presented by acting IHSS director Chun Yin Law.

• Swords to Plowshares grant — $362,500 ($398,750 with contingency) for veterans’ access and empowerment services at the Veterans War Memorial Building; presented by Hannah Blanton.

• Ingleside Community Center contract — up to $68,902 ($75,792 with contingency) to provide digital literacy training and a loaner device program in District 7; presented by Fannie Lapitan. Contract manager Denise Lassevito explained vendor onboarding delays pushed the item to February.

• Community Living Campaign (ReServe) budget modification — additional $557,862 (total not to exceed $3,391,483) to expand part‑time employment supports and benefits counseling for older adults and adults with disabilities; presented by Melissa McGee.

• Conard House (SF Connected) contract modification — additional $138,000 (total not to exceed $470,217) to expand SF Connected digital literacy services, build a tablet lending library and hire a volunteer program manager; presented by Fannie Lapitan.

• Agreement with Corey Kanapari & Galanes (CCG) — $150,000 ($165,000 with contingency) to conduct stakeholder engagement for a legislated senior and disability affordable housing needs assessment and production pipeline report to be published by Oct. 1, 2022; presented by Isabelle Kletter.

Commissioners asked for follow‑up details on IHSS caseload management and state audit guidance; Jill Nelson clarified state instructions to keep eligible clients enrolled in IHSS even if they are not currently using services and described outreach and screening practices to help reconnect clients to providers.

The budget staff will bundle the DAS proposal into the HSA package to submit to the mayor on Feb. 22 and the mayor is expected to present her proposed budget June 1, after which the Board of Supervisors will hold hearings.