“I’m fixing to lose my home because I don’t have the money to pay. I don’t have the money to pay for my car,” Christine Nesky said.
TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — Christine Nesky walked into the Tarrant County Human Services Office on Friday looking for urgent help.
“My rent is due. My water’s due next week,” she said. “I’m fixing to lose my home because I don’t have the money to pay. I don’t have the money to pay for my car. So, I’m going to lose my car. And I’m just afraid I’m going to be out on the street.”
But instead of immediate help, Nesky said she was handed a flyer with directions to a website. When WFAA checked the Human Services site, it showed that no new screenings are being accepted.
Her experience highlights a growing concern, especially now that 23 Human Services employees were informed on June 30 that their jobs will be eliminated by September 30.
The cuts are part of the county’s proposed 2026 budget, which includes outsourcing Human Services. The department currently provides financial assistance for rent, mortgage, utilities, hygiene items, and basic transportation.
In a social media post, Commissioner Alisa Simmons has voiced strong concerns.
“There is no transition plan,” Simmons said. She also questioned how an already strained system would serve people in need if the department were outsourced.
“If we vote to outsource the Human Services Department, how will our constituents be served,” Simmons asked.
In a written statement, Commissioner Manny Ramirez defended the decision, saying, “By partnering with experienced nonprofit organizations that operate with lower overhead and strong community connections, we believe we can expand our reach, reduce duplication, and deliver help faster.”
Ramirez is confident that Tarrant County residents will be better served during the shift to outsourcing Human Services.
“The expectation is that there will be zero service impact. In fact, we expect service will improve by shifting to this model,” Ramirez said.
But for residents like Clovis McCary, time is running out.
“I have been trying for three days,” McCary said after he visited Human Services.
Commissioners will vote on the final budget in September—the same month the 23 Human Services employees could be out of a job.
“Please don’t close this place,” Nesky said.
And with no clear transition plan in place, more people like her could be left with nowhere to turn.
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