San Antonio and Bexar County experienced a 6.8% rise in homelessness this year, with notable progress in sheltering efforts and collaborations, but increasing economic challenges and a growing number of homeless individual children underscore the urgent need for continued and enhanced support.
San Antonio Sees 6.8% Increase in Homelessness – Urgent Need for Family and Child Support Amid Rising Rents and Poverty.
According to the published article in San Antonio Report, San Antonio and Bexar County saw a 6.8% increase in homeless individuals this past year, reaching a total of 3,372 people. This rise matches the overall population growth in the area. Despite more homeless individuals, fewer are living on the streets compared to 2019, with only 888 unsheltered individuals. Katie Wilson, leader of Close to Home, noted that 73% of the homeless individual population is in shelters, which is much higher than the national average.
The report also showed that the number of families in shelters rose to 282, even higher than before the pandemic. However, the number of homeless individual children is growing fast, making up 18% of the total count. The economic impact of the pandemic, like fewer federal funds and higher rents, has made things worse. With rents up 14% since 2020 and over 18% of people living in poverty, it’s harder for service agencies to help everyone. More focus is needed on preventing homelessness, especially for families and children.
READ ALSO: 25% Of Older Drivers In Minnesota To Benefit From New Law: Cutting Defensive Driving Course Time In Half – Boosting Safety And Insurance Discounts!
3,372 Homeless Individuals in San Antonio and Bexar County: 6.8% Increase in 2024 Point-in-Time Count – Despite 25% Decrease in Unsheltered Homelessness! (PHOTO: USNews.com)
San Antonio’s “Together to End Homelessness” Plan Yields Progress with $33M Investment, Highlights Need for Continued Collaboration and Lasting Solutions.
Furthermore, Progress has been made with the city’s 2020 “Together to End Homelessness” plan. Better teamwork, funding, and support services have helped. During the pandemic, partnerships led to big investments, like $25 million from the city’s 2022 housing bond and $8 million from the county for supportive housing. Mayor Ron Nirenberg stressed the need for continued teamwork, as 322 homeless individual died last year. This shows the urgent need for lasting solutions to help people get out of homelessness for good.
READ ALSO: $4.4 Billion Acquisition: T-Mobile Buys UScellular’s Wireless Operations To Expand 5G Network And Customer Benefits
