San Antonio’s Homeless Camp Sweeps Set to Increase in 2025
San Antonio is gearing up for a significant increase in homeless camp cleanups in the upcoming fiscal year. City officials have announced plans to enhance their efforts, escalating the number of scheduled cleanups from approximately 1,100 this year to **_1,300_** in 2025.
Background on the Cleanups
Juan Galvan, a resident of a homeless camp under the I-35 freeway, shared his experience: “I’ve been staying here for about two years now. They come every week to clear us out. It doesn’t stay cleared out for long—maybe an hour before people come back.” Galvan’s situation is echoed by many others living in similar conditions throughout the city.
The City’s Approach
The City of San Antonio has been actively addressing homelessness via a program known as “abatements,” which involve the clearing of designated encampment sites. An interactive city dashboard has been set up to track these cleanups, showing more than two dozen areas subject to recurring cleanups, with **_32 sites tackled biweekly_**. Originally, the city aimed for **_700 cleanups_** in the current fiscal year, but they exceeded expectations with over **_1,152 performed so far_**.
Future Plans and Budget Considerations
As the city moves into the next fiscal year, city officials emphasize the *importance of consistency* in their approach. City Manager Erik Walsh noted, “We have to stay on top of this. The minute we let up, it’ll get out of hand again.” The cleanups have received mixed reviews from the public, with many advocating for more supportive measures to tackle the root causes of homelessness.
Controversy Surrounding the Cleanups
Critics argue that the cleanups merely serve to displace individuals living in homeless camps without providing real solutions. Maria Phippen, a local advocate, described the actions as “violence” against vulnerable populations. She highlighted concerns over the **_lack of proper notices_** provided before cleanups, leading to loss of personal belongings when individuals are away from their camps.
Alternatives Being Explored
Aside from the cleanups, San Antonio is proposing a budget of **_$4.7 million_** dedicated to rental assistance programs aimed at keeping people in stable housing. Yet, the demand for shelter facilities remains overwhelming, with organizations struggling to accommodate many individuals needing homes.
Upcoming Votes and Public Input
The city council is set to vote on the budget on **_September 19_**, with public hearings scheduled for **_September 4 and 12_**. These discussions will be crucial in determining how the city addresses the ongoing challenge of homelessness in San Antonio as they balance immediate needs with long-term solutions.
