D6 Councilwoman Praises the Allocation of Mental Health ARPA Funds

Published on June 22, 2023

D6 Councilwoman commends the City for coming one step closer to unprecedented support for foster children

SAN ANTONIO (June 22, 2023) – Today, the San Antonio City Council approved an ordinance that authorizes the allocation of $5,166,872.00 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to be awarded to non-profit organizations. These funds will be invested in Mental Health, Youth, Seniors, and Nonprofit Social Services. The ordinance also authorizes the negotiation and execution of necessary contracts and amendments.

Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda, Chair of the Council's Public Safety Committee, issued the following statement:

"These funds are a crucial lifeline for numerous nonprofits in our community.

The Public Safety Committee oversaw the allocation of funds for the mental health and harm reduction categories during the second round of funding. I want to express gratitude to my colleagues for their valuable input during our committee meetings. Additionally, $5.7 million has been allocated to organizations that support foster youth.

This specific investment serves as a lifeline to ensure that our foster youth and at-risk youth receive the counseling and resources they need to prevent homelessness, crime, and human trafficking.

In addition, funding to enhance our harm reduction programs, particularly by increasing access to Narcan, is essential as substance abuse issues continue to rise. These programs save lives.

These funds will have a lasting impact on our youth, our city, and our future growth."