City Council highlights youth homelessness and support for outreach workers

The San Antonio City Council held a special session on August 20, 2025, focusing primarily on homelessness and related services. The meeting began with a discussion on the pressing need to address homelessness, highlighted by recent surveys indicating it as a top concern among residents. Council members emphasized the importance of understanding the complexities of homelessness, particularly the rising number of homeless children.

One council member shared insights from their work with local organizations, stressing that effective solutions must go beyond increasing police presence. Instead, they advocated for investing in mental health services, youth mentorship, education, and affordable housing initiatives. The member noted that addressing homelessness requires a comprehensive approach that includes financial literacy and job training to ensure long-term stability for families.

The council also discussed the role of outreach workers, who are on the front lines of addressing homelessness. Concerns were raised about vacancies within the outreach team and the potential for high turnover rates in these positions. The council member inquired about the current status of hiring and whether outreach workers receive hazard pay, given the challenging environments they often encounter. It was confirmed that while there are ongoing efforts to fill vacancies, outreach workers do not currently receive hazard pay, although compensation adjustments have been made to improve their positions.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to enhance support for outreach workers and to continue exploring effective strategies to combat homelessness in San Antonio. The council recognized the need for a dedicated focus on these issues, particularly as they relate to the city's principles and the well-being of its residents.