BY EDMOND ORTIZ
What’s next
Get involved
Stakeholders said city and Bexar County o cials are partnering with local nonpro ts and churches in various ways, short- and long-term, to reduce homelessness. Pelaez recently proposed a public engagement campaign as part of San Antonio’s homeless outreach program to help educate residents. Meanwhile, private developers and Opportunity Home, the local housing authority, are working with city o cials to implement a $150 million aordable housing bond approved by voters in 2022. Additionally, o cials with the city, Bexar County, Close to Home, and other organizations and agen- cies are partnering to ful ll objectives outlined in the ve-year Strategic Plan to Respond to Homeless- ness. City o cials adopted that plan in late 2020. As for Close for Home, the organization partici- pated in activities during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in mid-November. Wilson also said Close to Home is lining up volunteers for its January 2024 point-in-time count.
Row said city ocials and their partners seek to do even more with new programs designed to connect homeless individuals with needed services. “There’s always room for more improvement,” Row said.
Helping the helpers
The city of San Antonio’s 2023-24 budget includes $9 million for 6 of the 12 delegate homelessness agencies. The agencies accept volunteers and donations.
HOMELESSNESS DELEGATE AGENCIES
MONEY RECEIVED
Haven for Hope for shelter, other services
$5.07M
Center for Health Care Services for mental health, substance abuse services
$1.95M
San Antonio Food Bank for Haven for Hope kitchen
$1.6M
SAMMinistries for outreach
$158K
Family Violence Prevention Services for Haven for Hope counseling
$150K
Christian Assistance Ministry for showers
$72K
*THIS LIST IS NONCOMPREHENSIVE
SOURCE: CITY OF SAN ANTONIOCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION
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