Latest news with #HumanServicesAgency
CBS News
14-03-2025
- CBS News
San Francisco city worker, partner accused of $500K welfare scam
A San Francisco city employee and her partner are facing multiple charges for allegedly defrauding public agencies out of $500,000 in welfare, including Section 8 housing and childcare benefits, prosecutors said. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that 49-year-old Maggie Pasigan and 47-year-old Daisy Avalos were arraigned Thursday on charges of grand theft, welfare fraud, money laundering and conspiracy. Both Pasigan and Avalos pleaded not guilty. In a statement, Jenkins thanked multiple agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the city's Human Services Agency and Housing Authority, along with local law enforcement, in helping with the two-year investigation. "My office will take action to ensure the integrity of our benefits systems and seek to hold those accountable who would defraud the system for their own personal gain," Jenkins said. Court records show the city's Human Services Agency began investigating Pasigan in 2023 for alleged fraud, saying she did not disclose that Avalos was her domestic partner and Avalos' income as a city employee. The income would have disqualified their household for public benefits. "The defendants' fraudulent actions diverted over $375,000 in taxpayer funds from multiple federal programs, including HUD-assisted housing programs designed to provide safe and affordable housing for low-income families," said Special Agent-In-Charge Robert Lawler of the HUD Office of Inspector General. In addition to the housing benefits, Pasigan and Avalos are accused of receiving more than $30,000 a month in childcare benefits from a nonprofit contractor that stewarded public dollars for childcare and early education. Investigators said the women claimed to have provided childcare to as many as 17 children. Surveillance over several months showed there was no evidence of drop-offs, pickups or any other signs of children under their care. Prosecutors said the pair's next court appearance is Apr. 22, to set a date for the preliminary hearing. Anyone who may have a report of welfare fraud is asked to contact the San Francisco Human Services Agency hotline at 405-557-5771.
Axios
28-01-2025
- Health
- Axios
San Francisco launches hub for immigrants seeking help
San Francisco has unveiled a new resource for immigrants, refugees and their service providers amid growing fear around President Trump's immigration executive orders. Driving the news: The SF Immigrant Forum offers guidance on how to access tools like legal services, financial assistance for immigration applications, free help with DACA renewals and medical care. Other programming includes free work permit workshops, phone consultations with the attorney of the day and the immigration court help desk. State of play: The coalition is an inter-agency partnership between the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs, Department of Public Health, Human Services Agency and the Mayor's Office on Housing and Community Development. A highlight is the Newcomers Health Program, which provides health exams and support services to refugees and victims of trafficking who live in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin counties. Between the lines: Local officials have pledged to protect immigrants from deportation, with law enforcement saying they will not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
