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Haven’s Young Adult Program Featured on Kens 5

Haven for Hope began a program for Young Adults (18-24) in August 2023.

The program was created because Haven had seen a 31% increase in young adults experiencing homelessness and seeking services at Haven. The program offers separate shared living spaces for the age group, a common area with a TV, computers, books, and dedicated case management.

“Young adults have different needs than a family or older individual experiencing homelessness,” said Jessica Burdon, Senior Director of Case Management.  “Our case managers can help our clients decide what’s next for them. Is it obtaining a GED? Going to college? Workforce training? And, of course, help them determine the best housing option for when they leave Haven.” Since starting the program, 19 clients have moved into housing and five are pending housing arrangements.

Kens 5 reporter Meredith Haas visited Haven and spoke to Jessica and one of Haven’s young adult clients.

Click the link below to watch the story.

https://www.kens5.com/article/news/community/more-homeless-young-adults-at-haven-for-hope-organization-creates-program-to-bring-change-kens5/273-07e0fb15-1d42-4781-85ee-fea122502db7

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Nate’s Story: The Long Road Home

More than 15 years on the streets and then to a one-bedroom apartment…this is Nate’s story

Nate lived on the streets off and on for more than 15 years. Our Outreach Manager, Pete, built a relationship with Nate, checking in on him for about five years. Pete encouraged him to try Haven and access our wrap-around services.

One day, Nate told Pete he was ready. “It’s time for a change. I can’t do this anymore,” Nate said.

Nate came to Haven and within four months, he had his ID back, had reinstated social security benefits, took some budgeting classes, and reinstated his healthcare benefits. He was housed through a program between Haven and Opportunity Home.

To hear Nate’s story, click below.

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Haven’s Impact Report for FY 2023

Haven for Hope Releases its FY 2023 Impact Report

In FY 2023, Haven for Hope served 9,457 clients, the highest number since Haven opened in 2010. Of the 9,457 clients, 1,085 were children, and 722 were families.

“At Haven, we’ve seen an increase in families experiencing homelessness,” said Kim Jefferies, president and CEO of Haven for Hope. “Our Family Emergency Services numbers doubled from the previous year.”

Haven’s Family Emergency Services (FES) is designed for overflow families. Haven operates a Family Residental Center (FRC) with 102 rooms. Clients must be residents of Bexar County, with proof of residency of at least nine months during their lifetime. They also need a US government or state-issued ID.

FES provides access to shelter and resources for families in need. If a family is not from Bexar County, they are provided with a 15-day compassion placement, and Haven’s team will work with the clients on other options, including family reunification, financial assistance to return to their hometown, or connecting them with other shelter options.

Young adults, 18-24 years of age, is another segment of the populations with an increase in individuals experiencing homelessness. Many of these clients have aged out of the foster care system and have nowhere to go. Haven designed a Young Adult Program in FY 2023, which provides designated sleeping areas and specialized case management.

For more statistics from FY 2023, click here.