Clean Water Action's Becky Smith emphasizes housing over ambulance funding in disaster recovery plan

In a recent Houston Budget and Fiscal Affairs meeting, the focus turned to the critical need for increased funding for housing as a priority in disaster recovery efforts. Becky Smith, Texas director for Clean Water Action, emphasized that safe housing is essential for reducing emergency medical situations during storms. She argued that when people have secure homes, routine health issues do not escalate into crises, thereby lessening the demand for emergency services like ambulances.

Smith expressed disappointment over state actions that hindered efforts to mandate generators for senior assisted living facilities, highlighting the risks faced by vulnerable populations without adequate housing. She urged city officials to reconsider their funding allocations, particularly the significant amount earmarked for administrative costs, and to ensure transparency in how disaster recovery funds are utilized.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to address public concerns and a reminder of the next Budget and Fiscal Affairs meeting scheduled for July 29, 2025. The discussions underscored the importance of prioritizing housing stability to enhance community resilience in the face of disasters.