Districts 4 & 5 Councilmembers Request Policy on Residential Fire Aid

Published on February 06, 2025

Council District 4 Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia   Council District 5 - Teri Castillo

Districts 4 and 5 Councilmembers Request Policy Discussion to Outline Residential Fire Aftermath Assistance Process


SAN ANTONIO (February 6, 2025) – District 4 Councilmember Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia co-authored a City Council Consideration Request with District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo to begin policy discussions about the assistance and referral process for residents who experience a home fire. 

“During the winter months, there are more home fire incidents, but families who experience these traumatic events don’t always know what assistance exists for them,” the District 4 Councilmember stated. “We can better outline and improve the referral process by exploring ways our City departments can collaborate and work alongside nonprofit partners. If we can make the process less stressful for these families, we can be better neighbors ready to assist these families recovering from this type of devastation.”

"When someone loses their home and belongings in a fire, navigating the available assistance  can be overwhelming," the District 5 Councilmember stated. "This policy will create a notification process which allows the City and its partners to more immediately provide assistance to our residents when they need it most."

They appreciate the brave women and men from the San Antonio Fire Department who risk their lives to save residents from home fires. With support from Council offices, connecting residents to other assistance programs offered through the City of San Antonio’s Neighborhood and Housing Services Department, Metro Health, and Department of Human Services can be beneficial for these families.