POLL: San Antonio Doubled Homeless Camp Cleanup Goal, But Is That Enough?

Rising Visibility of Homeless Encampments

In San Antonio, the issue of homelessness is becoming increasingly visible, prompting city officials to take action. Recently, the Solid Waste department announced that they had doubled their goal for homeless camp cleanups from 600 to over 1,300 for the fiscal year. This decision was made in response to mounting public demand for cleaner neighborhoods and safer community spaces.

On-the-Ground Cleanup Operations

Amid a light drizzle, a crew from the hazardous materials team was seen working at an abandoned lot on Capitol Avenue, filled with items such as clothing, furniture, and camping gear left behind by former residents. Although no individuals were present, the area had remnants of a makeshift living setup. Assistant Director Andrew Gutierrez stated that this particular site marked their fourth cleanup attempt this year, highlighting the repetitive nature of these efforts.

Community Response

Residents, like Blake McAnally, who watched the cleanup unfold, expressed mixed feelings. While he acknowledged the necessity of the cleanup adjacent to a community garden and playground, he pointed out the health and safety concerns the encampment posed. Gutierrez acknowledged that while certain areas are clearly unsuitable for human habitation, the reality is that every location has its challenges.

The Growing Demand for Cleanups

As the demand for cleanup services has risen, Solid Waste has struggled to keep up with the requests. “The demand has increased. It’s been high,” Gutierrez mentioned, confirming that public health and safety is a top priority for city officials. Despite the increase in cleanups, there will inevitably be locations that go unnoticed due to limited resources and staffing.

Community Voices on Cleanup Efficiency

While some residents appreciate the city’s involvement, there are calls for smoother and more efficient processes. McAnally called attention to the bureaucratic hurdles that often delay necessary action, emphasizing that it should not require expert navigation to access city services. He advocated for better flexibility in the routing of civil services and funding to address homelessness more effectively.

Future Planning and Resources

City officials are taking a comprehensive approach to these encampment cleanups, involving multiple departments. Prior to the cleanup, outreach workers notify encampment residents and offer services to assist with transition. This year, over a thousand pre-abatement visits have been made to ensure residents have adequate notice. However, McAnally believes that expanding these resources could significantly reduce the number of encampments.

Upcoming Budget Proposals

With city management set to present the FY 2025 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget to the City Council on August 15, the conversation around resource allocation and priorities will likely continue to evolve. Community members are keenly observing how these decisions will impact their neighborhoods and address the ongoing issue of homelessness in San Antonio.