San Antonio's Haven for Hope Aids 40,000 through Comprehensive Homeless Services

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners held a Committee of the Whole meeting on August 28, 2025, focusing on homelessness and community support initiatives. Key discussions centered around the county's recent visit to San Antonio, Texas, where officials explored effective strategies for addressing homelessness and enhancing community services.

During the meeting, representatives highlighted San Antonio's comprehensive approach to homelessness, which includes a consortium of care involving over 60 organizations. This collaborative effort has successfully served thousands of individuals, with a significant emphasis on not just providing shelter but also addressing mental health and employment opportunities. In 2025, San Antonio reported over $222 million in federal funding directed to service providers, showcasing the importance of data-driven solutions in managing homelessness.

A notable feature of the San Antonio model is the Haven for Hope facility, which operates as a one-stop center for the unhoused. This 22-acre campus offers a range of services, including transitional housing and low-barrier shelters, ensuring that individuals have access to essential resources like meals and medical care. The facility has successfully placed 13,000 individuals into permanent housing over its 15 years of operation.

The meeting also touched on the importance of addressing the needs of pets belonging to unhoused individuals. The San Antonio Pets Alive program, which partners with local shelters, has saved thousands of animals from euthanasia and provides support for pet owners facing challenges.

Overall, the discussions underscored the significance of a holistic approach to homelessness, integrating various services to support individuals' physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The DeKalb County officials expressed a commitment to exploring similar collaborative models to enhance local efforts in addressing homelessness and community welfare.