The funding supports a broad range of Human Services programs that assist individuals and families across the city, with a focus on housing stability, crisis response, youth and senior services and behavioral health support.

How will the funds be used and where does the money come from?

• $180,000 will support a variety of human services programs including Adopt-a-Senior and Beat the Heat; this funding is provided from charitable donations via Scottsdale Cares, the city program that allows utility bill customers to add a donation to their monthly utility bill. 
  
• $130,000 provides meals for Scottsdale seniors; funding from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community via a tribal gaming grant. 
  
• $80,000 to non-profit service organizations like Scottsdale Community Partners, which provides a variety of assistance programs for youth, families and seniors; paid from the Scottsdale general fund. 
  
• $120,000 will provide housing and suitable living environments for low-and moderate-income individuals and families; funding is from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant funds.

In addition, the Scottsdale Family Resource Center was awarded a $250,000 grant to continue programs for children. 

The grant was provided by First Things First, a statewide agency committed to supporting young children and their families from kindergarten and beyond. 

The Family Resource Center offers activities and services that educate and promote positive change in parenting and child development. In fiscal year 2023-24, the center supported 530 parents – providing families over 220 activities, 3,900 diapers, 1,100 ounces of baby formula and 13 pounds of baby food. Through this grant, the center will continue to serve Scottsdale’s vulnerable population. 

“This funding reflects our city’s commitment to ensuring that every Scottsdale resident has access to the resources and support they need to thrive,” said interim Human Services Director Mary Witkofski. “Through a combination of city funds and competitive grant awards, our Human Services Department continues to deliver high-impact programs that make a real difference in the lives of our residents.”

One of the goals of the department, as outlined in their 2025-28 Strategic Plan, emphasizes “pursuing diversified funding strategies to maintain and increase the capacity of the Human Servies department.” This funding reinforces that goal and will help support vulnerable populations in Scottsdale for years to come. 

The funding was approved by City Council as part of the fiscal year 2025/26 tentative budget and will go into effect July 1.

For more information about Scottsdale Human Services, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Assistance Programs.”