San Francisco Human Services Agency requests $5M for CalWORKs housing support program

In a recent San Francisco County government meeting, officials discussed a significant ordinance aimed at enhancing support for low-income families through the CalWORKs Housing Support Program. The ordinance proposes an appropriation of approximately $5 million in state and federal funds to the Human Services Agency (HSA) for direct client assistance, rental subsidies, and related services for the fiscal year 2024-2025.

Celia Pedrosa, the budget director for HSA, presented the request for supplemental funding, explaining that the state Department of Social Services had identified underspending in prior allocations and redistributed available funds to counties, including San Francisco. This redistribution was announced too late for inclusion in the current budget, prompting the need for a supplemental appropriation.

The CalWORKs Housing Support Program is designed to provide housing stability for families at risk of homelessness. The funding will be allocated to three primary areas: eviction prevention through back rent support, additional placement and subsidies for families, and increased collaboration with the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) to cover costs for families in shelters.

Despite projected underspending in rental assistance and community-based organization (CBO) budgets, the recent extension of the spending deadline to December 2025 allows HSA to utilize these funds effectively. The meeting highlighted concerns regarding the capacity of CBOs, such as Abode and Catholic Charities, to meet the growing demands for services, especially as funding for housing subsidies is expected to decrease in the coming year.

The committee members expressed support for the supplemental funding while emphasizing the need for ongoing discussions about the capacity and effectiveness of CBOs in delivering essential services. The ordinance was moved forward with a positive recommendation to the full board for approval.

As San Francisco continues to grapple with housing instability and homelessness, this funding initiative represents a critical step in addressing the needs of vulnerable families in the community. The anticipated outcomes of this appropriation will be closely monitored as the city navigates its budgetary challenges and strives to enhance support for those in need.