Commission approves $144M grant to Homebridge for in-home supportive services

The San Francisco Commission convened on March 5, 2025, to discuss several action items related to the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. The meeting focused on contract approvals and modifications aimed at enhancing caregiving services for vulnerable populations in the city.

The first item on the agenda, item 11 c, sought approval for a sole source waiver and a new contract with Excel Soft Partners LLC. This contract, valued at $43,920 plus a 10% contingency, will provide licensing access to the online registration and enrollment video appointment system known as Bridal. Shannon Morgan, the program director for IHSS, presented the item, highlighting the system's efficiency in streamlining the enrollment process for new providers. The commission unanimously approved the contract after a brief discussion, noting the potential cost savings and improved service delivery.

Next, the commission addressed item 11 d, which requested authorization for a new grant agreement with Homebridge for caregiving services over a four-year period, totaling $144 million plus a 10% contingency. Morgan emphasized the growing demand for IHSS services, citing an 11% increase in applications attributed to Medi-Cal expansion and the ongoing needs following the COVID-19 pandemic. The commission recognized Homebridge's successful track record in providing culturally appropriate services and unanimously approved the grant.

Following this, item 11 e was presented, which sought to modify the existing grant with Homebridge to accommodate additional costs due to increased service demands. The proposed modification amounted to $2.4 million, bringing the total grant to approximately $144.7 million. Morgan provided metrics indicating a significant rise in both the number of recipients served and caregiving hours provided. The commission expressed appreciation for the detailed data and unanimously approved the modification.

Throughout the meeting, commissioners raised questions about the implications of potential federal cuts to Medi-Cal funding and how such changes could impact the IHSS program. The discussions underscored the critical nature of these services for maintaining the well-being of San Francisco's most vulnerable residents.

In conclusion, the commission's decisions reflect a commitment to enhancing the IHSS program's capacity to meet the growing needs of the community, ensuring that essential caregiving services remain accessible to those who rely on them.