D10 Councilman launches vision for addressing Homelessness
Published on August 28, 2023
SAN ANTONIO (August 28, 2023) – Today, Councilman Marc Whyte released his vision for addressing the homeless crisis in San Antonio. Solving homelessness was surveyed as a top priority by neighbors throughout the city.
“Historically, the city has seemed to spend money on problems without a specific end result in mind,” the Councilman said. “When addressing any problem, it’s important to start with a clear plan and understand what exactly you want to accomplish.”
This 3-step proposed plan emphasizes the need to remove homeless from the streets while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are not being used to indefinitely house individuals that should be taking care of themselves:
- Suburban cities must be a part of the solution and not transport their homeless to San Antonio.
- Removing as many homeless from the streets as possible using temporary, low-barrier housing will reduce crime, litter on streets, and some brush fires, saving tax-payers money in the long run.
- Rehabilitate and train able-bodied individuals to quickly become self-sustaining members of society, and transfer those who suffer from permanent disabilities (and can’t care for themselves) to permanent supportive housing.
“The homeless crisis is a public safety and economic development issue,” Councilman Whyte added. “We must protect our neighbors and allow them to safely live and work around our city. But we should not continue to throw an endless amount of money at this issue; we should strategically use the resources already in place.”
Based on feedback from neighbors, District 10 is hosting a community forum geared toward homelessness, on September 6, 2023, at Meals on Wheels (2718 Danbury Rd), beginning at 6:30 pm. Panelists include staple homeless-serving organizations in the community such as: Haven for Hope, SAMMinistries, Department of Human Services, Corazón Ministries, Christian Assistance Ministry, San Antonio Police Department, City Manager’s Office and South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless. “All are welcome to learn and be part of this crucial conversation that effects the public safety and economic development in our city.”