Recently, Bexar County approved funding for a pilot program in Leon Valley and Balcones Heights to expand Haven’s outreach efforts targeting unsheltered individuals in these unincorporated sections of Bexar Couty.
If successful, outreach efforts could expand into other areas of the County. Haven’s Outreach Specialists will engage with unsheltered individuals and tell them about our community’s many resources and shelter options.
Here is recent media coverage of the efforts:
Recently, Courtney Freidman from KSAT 12 (the ABC affiliate in San Antonio) visited Haven for Hope to learn about the housing options clients at Haven choose from as they transition from being unhoused to finding their next home.
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.
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.
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.
Haven staff were interviewed by KSAT 12 regarding the upcoming winter weather event. Temperatures are expected to dip below freezing starting Sunday evening, January 14, through early next week.
Here is the story.
941-685-0204 Terri.Behling@HavenforHope.org
January 10, 2024 – Haven for Hope has been operating over capacity for two years, averaging between 1650 and 1720 clients per night. As the weather in San Antonio gets colder and freezing temperatures are predicted into next week, Haven will prioritize emergency overflow winter sleeping space for San Antonio families experiencing homelessness.
Haven has been working with our partners in the Homeless Response System and the City of San Antonio on alternative shelter spaces for individuals seeking shelter during freezing weather events, as Haven will prioritize families. Corazon Day Center, Communities Under the Bridge, SAMMinistries, and will have emergency shelter capacity if needed. The Salvation Army and other partners in the Homeless Response System may also have space available.
In addition to prioritizing families for overflow winter sleeping, Haven staff regularly provides winter weather gear to our clients. Haven’s Outreach Team distributes hand warmers, coats, sleeping bags, gloves, and other items to unsheltered individuals. In our community, coordinated outreach workers from CAM, Centro, and the City of San Antonio distribute warming items to unsheltered individuals and offer transport to those who want temporary shelter in local churches.
If someone is experiencing homelessness and seeking services and shelter, they can call the City’s Homeless Connections Hotline at 210-207-1799.
Haven for Hope is partnering with Smiles Behind Goods for a Share the Warmth event on Saturday, January 13, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The weather is predicted to get cold in San Antonio, and for those experiencing homelessness, a coat, hat, scarf, gloves, or long-sleeved shirt can go a long way.
If you live in San Antonio and can drop off some winter gear items to Haven this weekend, you won’t have to leave your car! Drive to our Donation Center, 1 Haven for Hope Way; volunteers will collect your donation. We’ll have some local social media influencers at Haven helping us collect the donations.
Can’t make it? Visit our Amazon Wishlist, choose an item, and it will ship directly to Haven!
If you would like to support Haven with a cash donation, your support will go a long way to keep our clients warm this winter. Click here to donate.
Haven for Hope recently completed a beautiful butterfly garden called Kate’s Garden. Rainbow Gardens Nursery donated some of the native plants. Staff recently gave a tour to Robin Norton, Rainbow Gardens’ Nursery Event Coordinator, to show how the garden provides relaxation and education for Haven clients and staff.
Harmony is taking classes and utilizing Haven’s resources to regain her independence and find housing.
