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Human Services Agency seeks expanded CalFresh outreach, supportive housing and jobs placements
Summary
HSA presented an $825 million budget with plans to expand CalFresh outreach, subsidized employment slots (JobsNow), and investments in supportive housing for youth, families and veterans; supervisors pressed for clarity on outreach funding and impact.
The Human Services Agency presented a near-term expansion of safety-net programs and workforce initiatives in its FY14-15 budget proposal.
Executive Director Trent Rohrer told the committee the agency's proposed budget is about $825 million, an $87 million increase mostly funded by state and federal sources. HSA's requested increases focus on: expanding CalFresh enrollment outreach and eligibility work; enlarging JobsNow subsidized employment (year-long public-sector placements and up to 100 private-sector slots); and financing multiple supportive-housing projects, including two transitional-age-youth buildings (94 units total) and family housing projects (225 units total).
Rohrer also outlined a push to capture eligible but unenrolled CalFresh recipients. Committee members referred to the Food Security Task Force request for outreach funds (figures discussed in the hearing ranged around $195,000'$400,000 for outreach), and asked HSA to be explicit about how outreach dollars would be spent and coordinated with community-based organizations.
Direct quote: "Our proposed budget for 2014 and 2015 of $825,000,000 represents about an $87,000,000 increase from last year's budget," HSA Executive Director Trent Rohrer said. (SEG 4311'SEG 4313)
Why it matters: CalFresh enrollment increases and investments in housing and jobs directly affect food security, homelessness, and workforce outcomes for low-income San Franciscans. Supervisors asked for measurable outreach targets and assurances that dollars will reach high-need neighborhoods.
Next steps: Supervisors requested follow-up on the Food Security Task Force outreach requests and specificity on how JobsNow expansions will transition participants to unsubsidized employment.
Ending: HSA said it will continue to work with community partners and the Budget Analyst to refine outreach plans and proposed supportive-housing spending before final votes.
