City budget session highlights state‑funded supportive housing, food‑hub expansion and dental access concerns

Department of Community and Human Services Director Kate Garvey told the council the department was aligning its FY26 budget with the city’s four council priorities, including housing opportunities and eliminating community disparities.

Garvey described a new, ongoing state partnership to fund permanent supportive housing for 35 people with serious mental illness. “This is a critical project for us,” Garvey said, and staff said the state funding will cover rent, move‑in supports and on‑site staffing in both the Office of Housing and DCHS. Staff added the state indicated it may expand the program if the city demonstrates early success.

Garvey and Deputy Director of the Office of Housing Eric Keeler said homelessness prevention programs remain a major component of the department’s work. Garvey reported the city’s homeless prevention assistance averages about $10,000 per individual; city shelter partnerships typically serve roughly 650–700 people per year and staff expect to serve about 750 this year. Officials did not provide a full, citywide waiting‑list figure for shelter during the session but said they would…