Human Services Department outlines $95M budget for fiscal year 2026 in San Antonio

The San Antonio City Council held a budget work session on August 26, 2025, focusing on the proposed budgets for the Human Services, Health, and Library departments. The meeting began with an introduction from Eric, who outlined the agenda and introduced key staff members, including Jessica Devalina, Deputy Human Services Director, and Patrick Steck, Assistant Human Services Director.

The session commenced with a presentation on the Human Services Department's fiscal year 2026 proposed budget, which totals approximately $95.9 million. This budget includes $42.4 million from the General Fund and $52.4 million from federal and state grants. The department aims to address issues such as homelessness, family violence, and justice involvement through various programs and services that support vulnerable populations.

Key highlights from the Human Services budget include:

1. **Child and Youth Programs**: The department serves around 3,700 children annually through Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Youth initiatives, such as the Ambassador Internship Program, aim to foster career development and education among young adults, with a significant percentage of participants expressing intent to remain in San Antonio post-graduation.

2. **Financial Assistance and Counseling**: The department provides emergency utility assistance and financial counseling, targeting to help participants reduce over $1.4 million in debt. Additionally, eligibility for emergency assistance has expanded to include households earning up to 150% of the federal poverty level.

3. **Older Adult Services**: Investments in programs for older adults will enhance access to services at senior centers, including extended hours and specialized financial counseling. A training program for city employees on identifying elder abuse has also been initiated, with plans to expand this training across all city departments.

4. **Collaborative Efforts**: The Human Services Department emphasizes partnerships with local organizations and schools to extend its reach and effectiveness. This includes collaborations for child care quality initiatives and youth success programs.

The meeting also addressed the transition of certain services, such as the Child Care Services Grant Program, to ensure continuity for families and providers. The comprehensive budget review process recommended streamlining youth services and implementing efficiencies to enhance service delivery without impacting funding pools.

In conclusion, the budget work session highlighted the city's commitment to supporting vulnerable populations through targeted programs and strategic partnerships. The proposed budget reflects a proactive approach to addressing social issues and enhancing community well-being, with further discussions scheduled for the afternoon session covering additional departments.