Haven for Hope in San Antonio is sharing more about its efforts to transform the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
In a recent article published in the San Antonio Report, Haven for Hope communications director Terri Behling explained that “Haven is more than a shelter.”
“[We] are a transformational campus,” she said. “Our clients have access to safe, indoor sleeping; food and clothing; medical, dental, and vision care; and resources designed to address substance use, mental health, income and skills development, ID recovery, and more.”
“Haven’s one-stop concept has become a national model for addressing homelessness,” she said. This approach has been credited with a 77% reduction in San Antonio homelessness.
As covered by The Dallas Express, a recent local initiative has started the process of trying to bring Haven for Hope’s “one-stop-shop” model to Dallas under the banner “Haven for the Homeless.”
Behling also wrote that family homelessness, in particular, is on the rise, noting a 118% increase in families served by Haven from FY22 to FY23.
She shared the story of a Haven client named Ke’Andra, who came to Haven with her two daughters in October 2022. After coming to Haven, her daughters enrolled in Head Start and kindergarten. Ke’Andra began working on her GED and taking classes on parenting and money management.
“My lifelong dream is to become a teacher,” Ke’Andra said. “I am learning a lot at Haven and can take these skills wherever we end up.”
Behling also highlighted Haven’s young adult program, noting that Haven has served 31% more young adults this year over the previous year. She shared the story of Ben, who now serves as president of the Youth Advisory Board after aging out of the foster care system and coming to Haven.
“This program is crucial,” said Ben. “Without it, many of us would fall through the cracks.”
Meanwhile, in Dallas, 76% of residents say they are dissatisfied with homelessness, vagrancy, and panhandling throughout the city, according to polling.
Haven for Hope’s model has polled favorably among Dallasites, but it remains to be seen whether the City of Dallas will partner with Haven for the Homeless as the City of San Antonio partners with Haven for Hope.