Mayor Galvan advocates for hazard pay for homeless outreach workers

San Antonio's City Council took significant steps towards enhancing support for homeless outreach workers during a special session on August 20, 2025. The council discussed the urgent need for hazard pay for these essential workers, recognizing the challenges they face in managing cases across various districts.

Mayor Galvan emphasized the importance of increasing resources for homeless outreach, suggesting that the current budget may not fully address the needs but advocating for future considerations. The discussion highlighted the inadequacy of having only one outreach worker per district, especially in areas identified as needing the most support based on recent point-in-time counts.

The council's commitment to improving conditions for homeless outreach workers reflects a broader strategy to tackle homelessness in San Antonio. By advocating for better compensation and more personnel, the council aims to enhance the effectiveness of outreach efforts, ultimately benefiting the community's most vulnerable populations.

As the council moves forward, the focus will remain on finding sustainable solutions to ensure that outreach workers are adequately supported in their critical roles. This initiative is expected to lead to more effective case management and improved outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness in the city.