San Antonio proposes $26.1 million for new Homeless Services & Strategy department, funds low‑barrier shelter for one year

The City of San Antonio on Aug. 20 presented a FY2026 budget proposal that would fund a newly created Homeless Services and Strategy Department with $26,100,000 and direct $4,800,000 to extend operation of a downtown low‑barrier, hotel‑based shelter for one additional year.

City officials said the new department — housed under existing human services resources and staffed with 43 positions — will focus on reducing unsheltered homelessness, decreasing family homelessness and preventing new episodes of homelessness through prevention, diversion and cross‑system coordination.

The department will "work upstream in the areas of prevention and diversion ... to include financial assistance, case management, housing stability services, and legal services," Director Mark Carmona told the council. Carmona, who introduced the department, described partnerships with local nonprofits, health and justice system partners and the San Antonio Housing Trust.

Patrick Steck, the department's assistant director, told the council the FY2026 proposed budget for the homeless response system totals about $30,500,000 when other…