What are Human Services?
Human Services are the services and resources people need to get along reasonably on their own.  These could include help with food, shelter, utility bills, medical or dental care, legal issues, counseling, employment, learning to speak and read English, affordable child care, or reference to a wide range of available services.

How are Human Services Funded?
The City of Redmond wants to help make sure all its residents - including those with low income - can get needed human services.  To do that, Redmond uses some of its local tax money to fund certain programs carefully selected through a competitive process.  In return, the programs offer services that are affordable (low cost, adjusted according to income, or free) and accessible. 

Programs typically receive support from the City for two calendar years.  Every other spring (2002, 2004, and so on), the City accepts proposals from agencies seeking support in the next biennium.  A Human Services Funding Advisory Committee evaluates those applications and makes recommendations to the City Council.  The Council then decides which agencies will be offered support.

What is the Human Services Advisory Committee?
This advisory committee plays a vital role in determining what services should be prioritized for funding in our community. All members are volunteers.  At least half come from various areas within the community, including business, religious, educational, and volunteer organizations.  The rest are staff from the finance, police, planning, and public works departments of the City.