San Antonio Looks Ahead to Combat Homelessness with 2025 Action Plan
San Antonio is taking significant steps to tackle the pressing issue of homelessness with the launch of the Alliance to House Everyone’s 2025 action plan. This initiative stems from a five-year strategy that began during the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to improve resources for individuals living on the streets.
A Unified Community Approach
At the heart of this initiative is a collaborative spirit. As Katie Wilson, the executive director of Close to Home, states, “Everybody has to work together on common goals to address homelessness.” The action plan outlines eight strategic priorities, including the need to expand housing options, enhance street outreach coordination, and, importantly, prevent homelessness while reducing the number of people entering the cycle of homelessness.
Wilson emphasizes that there is a strong focus on proactive measures. “We are looking into upstream strategies to prevent homelessness, particularly for families, older adults, and individuals living on fixed incomes,” she explains. Looking at different populations is essential; the plan considers youth and young adults, as well as those escaping domestic violence, as part of the broader strategy. “We are also working to efficiently get more people into housing by partnering with landlords and property owners within our community,” Wilson adds.
Rising Numbers Highlight Urgent Need
According to the recent 2024 point-in-time count, there has been a nearly 7% increase in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness, accounting for both sheltered and unsheltered persons. In light of this, organizations like the Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM) are emphasizing the critical role of available resources for those impacted by homelessness.
As Dawn White-Fosdick, president and CEO of CAM, points out, “There will also be a need for resources for people who are impacted by homelessness.” Notably, the San Antonio City Council has allocated more than $40 million in its budget for Fiscal Year 2025 towards homeless services. This funding encompasses prevention services, outreach, emergency sheltering, permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, and necessary abatements.
Additionally, the city is optimistic about housing plans, aiming to shelter approximately 500 unsheltered individuals over the next year. Despite this, White-Fosdick insists there is still much work to be done. “While CAM and other organizations provide essential support, such as food and clothing, we need to move forward in improving the affordable housing stock and enhancing mental health resources,” she adds.
Challenges in Access to Housing
White-Fosdick highlights the reality faced by many individuals seeking help. “Often, those beds, that shelter, or a permanent place to live is not available. We have clients who may not have insurance, don’t have a diagnosis yet, and are unable to navigate the system effectively.” These barriers can make it incredibly challenging for individuals to access assistance, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and more accessible resources.
Future Plans
As we move towards 2025, the Alliance to House Everyone is expected to set the goals for the next five-year plan. While much has been achieved, it’s clear that the path ahead requires dedication and unity from the entire community. San Antonio is ready to roll up its sleeves and work hand-in-hand to combat homelessness and ensure everyone has a place to call home.
