Over the summer, San Antonio’s Haven for Hope launched a program to assist young adults experiencing homelessness return to a more stable life.
Haven for Hope aims to transform the lives of those without reliable shelter through its “one-stop-shop” model in which housing and supportive services are provided on a single 22-acre campus, as previously covered by The Dallas Express.
“The Young Adult Program started this past summer,” Haven for Hope communications director Terri Behling told The Dallas Express. “While we always served young adults ages 18-24, we have created separate areas for young adults on our low-barrier Courtyard side and campus side.”
Behling said the new program has “specialized case management to address any specific needs this age group has.”
Haven for Hope’s YouTube channel highlighted several young adults who have benefited from the non-profit organization’s services. One such individual named Destin had experienced homelessness for more than two years before enrolling in the young adult program.
“It’s nice to be around people my age that are going through the same things as me,” Destin said in the video. “Before … I thought there [were] maybe one or two people my age here.”
Destin is taking classes at Haven for Hope to help rebuild his life.
“It was harder for me … not even having friend groups that were in the same situation as me,” he continued. “I love Haven for Hope. Y’all are doing a great job.”
Destin added that being homeless and working toward recovery can be stressful, but he thanked Haven for Hope’s staff for their hard work and resiliency.
“I know I appreciate it, and I know a lot of us in this young adult [program] — we all appreciate it,” said Destin.
In San Antonio, Haven for Hope has been credited with a 77% reduction in homelessness through its “one-stop-shop” approach, per The Dallas Express.
Meanwhile, in Dallas, residents continue to say they are frustrated with homelessness, vagrancy, and panhandling in their neighborhoods and throughout the City.
In September, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced it would give $9.4 million in taxpayer-sponsored grants to Dallas County and Collin County to combat young adult homelessness, as previously covered by The Dallas Express.
Dallas officials have yet to fully implement an approach similar to that of Haven for Hope despite the model polling favorably among residents. However, Mayor Eric Johnson did visit the Haven for Hope campus in August. It remains unclear whether Dallas officials will adopt such a model.