San Antonio Council Reviews Homeless Services Budget with Chief Housing Officer Mark Carmona

San Antonio's City Council meeting on August 20, 2025, spotlighted the urgent need for enhanced homeless services as officials discussed budget priorities. Mark Carmona, the newly appointed director of the Homeless Services and Strategy Department, presented compelling data showing that homelessness remains a pressing issue in the community, with 3,625 individuals counted as experiencing homelessness—a slight increase from the previous year.

Carmona emphasized that for the past three budget surveys, residents have consistently ranked assistance for the homeless among their top priorities. He highlighted the rising socioeconomic costs, including housing and healthcare, that are exacerbating the local homeless crisis. "The city of San Antonio will now focus its efforts to address homelessness in our community," he stated, underscoring the department's commitment to reducing unsheltered and family homelessness while preventing future cases.

The meeting also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various organizations involved in the homeless response system, including representatives from Sam, Close to Home, Corazon, and Haven for Hope. Carmona noted the importance of expanding and aligning these partnerships to enhance the effectiveness of services provided.

As the city gears up to tackle these challenges, the focus will be on integrating efforts across city departments and community partners to create a more robust support system for those in need. The discussions at this meeting signal a pivotal moment for San Antonio as it seeks to address homelessness head-on with strategic planning and community collaboration.