Santa Clara County has increased its commitment to the well-being of children and families.
Despite a shortfall, the county bumped up its Children’s Budget by 9.1% mid-year to $1.29 billion, ensuring a focus on critically needed services. The county is contributing $260.9 million from its general fund, with federal, state and other non-county funding offsetting the bulk of the cost, county officials said. Inflation, higher operating expenses, the rising costs of services, supplies and staff compensation account for the increase.
“We’re really looking at the most basic needs… so that children have the opportunity to think beyond survival,” County Board President Susan Ellenberg told San José Spotlight. “Investing in children and families is investing in our collective future and improves everyone’s quality of life, economic mobility and public safety.”
The Children’s Budget includes $6 million for Advocacy and Flexible support services for children affected by gender-based violence and $12.6 million for the Amigos Motel Shelter Program, which provides case management, counseling and support in accessing education and health care for families facing homelessness. The Rapid Rehousing Program will receive $7.9 million. The program helps families transition from homelessness to permanent housing with the help of community partners that provide rental assistance and supportive services. The county also increased investments in juvenile services, child welfare and homelessness prevention.
Ellenberg said proactive, preventative investments create healthier communities and save the county money.
“I think these are some of the most impactful investments we could possibly be making,” she said. “Focusing investments early in those prevention efforts, in making sure that we’re meeting the basic needs of children and families, pays off.”
County Chief Children’s Officer Sarah Duffy said the Children’s Budget reflects the county’s commitment to critical programs that directly benefit this demographic. Policy shifts and sunsetting of some eviction legislation has created a real increase in housing needs, she added.
“We’ve seen a fairly dramatic increase in the number of unhoused children and families in Santa Clara County due to the cost of living,” Duffy told San José Spotlight.
Santa Clara County officials tackled a $250 million structural deficit heading into the 2024-25 fiscal year through an infusion of new revenue and realignment of costs.
Supervisor Sylvia Arenas said directing funding and resources toward policies and programs that benefit children and youth breaks generational cycles of poverty.
“No child in our community should go to sleep wracked by hunger, scared for their life, or exposed to the elements,” Arenas told San José Spotlight. “An incredible amount of work went into securing funding increases that allowed the county to avoid cuts and actually increase our investment.”
Contact Lorraine Gabbert at lorrainegabbertsjspotlight@gmail.com.
This story originally appeared in San José Spotlight.