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2025State of Homelessness Report Message
2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home
TABLE OF CONTENTS2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home | 1ABOUT CLOSE TO HOME Mission & Sta ........................................................................................................................Board of Directors ............... .....................................................................................................LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & BOARD PRESIDENT ......................ABOUT THE ALLIANCE TO HOUSE EVERYONE & LIST OF ALLIANCE PARTNERS ................................................................................EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..............................................................................................................KEY FINDINGS ...............................................................................................................................POINTINTIME PIT COUNT DATA .................................................................................... Overview .................................................................................................................................. Sheltered Population .............................................................................................................Unsheltered Population ........................................................................................................CALL TO ACTION ..........................................................................................................................HONORING LEGACIES & SERVICE ...................................................................................... Leaving a Legacy: Honoring Billy Mahone III ....................................................................2025 Homeless Service Heroes ......................................................................................................2025 Bold and Brave Homelessness Legacy Award ........................................................APPENDIXAlliance to House Everyone 2025 Action Plan & Governance Structure ......................Methodology & Notes ............................................................................................................It Takes a Village .....................................................................................................................We want to give special recognition to our event sponsor, USAA, for providing the necessary resources for a successful, safe, and accurate PIT Count, in addition to our supporting sponsors, Valero Energy and H-E-B. We would also like to recognize the many organizations and agencies that made our 2025 PIT Count possible: The Lived Expertise Advisory Board (LEAB), Christian Assistance Ministry, The San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County Sheri’s Oce, South Texas Planned Parenthood, The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), Outreach Grid, The City of San Antonio Department of Human Services, Haven for Hope, Corazón San Antonio, Grace Lutheran Church, First Presbyterian Church, U.S. Department of Veteran Aairs, The PIT Count sta, volunteers, team leads, and our homeless service provider partners. This is truly a communitywide eort! SPECIAL THANKS2346811141416192426262727283032
2 | 2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home ABOUT CLOSE TO HOMEWith a mission to ensure everyone has a place to call home and make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring, Close to Home strengthens the San Antonio and Bexar County region’s capacity to respond eectively and promptly to housing insecurity and homelessness. Close to Home serves as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-designated Continuum of Care (CoC) lead agency for the San Antonio and Bexar County region. In this role, Close to Home leads the coordinated community eort to end homelessness by guiding improvements to local policies and programs, including Homelessness Prevention, Diversion, housing assistance vouchers, access to benets, Permanent Supportive Housing, Rapid Rehousing, Transitional Housing, and Emergency Shelter. Additionally, we lead specialized eorts to address youth homelessness, Veteran homelessness, domestic violence housing coordination, and Street Outreach for unsheltered populations. Through Coordinated Entry—locally known as Homelink—Close to Home coordinates the system that connects individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness to the most appropriate housing interventions based on their specic needs. Across the nation, CoC agencies lead community-wide eorts to reduce and eventually end homelessness. In 2025, over $22 million in federal funding was distributed to direct service providers across San Antonio and Bexar County to support a coordinated response to homelessness through the CoC Program. Close to Home leads the process to secure, distribute, and report on federal funding and facilitates the region’s Homelessness Response System—the Alliance to House Everyone. CLOSE TO HOME STAFFKatie Wilson Executive DirectorRichard Huron Senior Director of Finance & AdministrationEboni Jett Senior Director of System AdvancementKatie Hubble Director of Communications and DevelopmentDacey Werba Director of Strategic EngagementPatricia Guzman Coordinated Entry ManagerJudith Andrade Program CoordinatorTomeka Coleman Operations Coordinator Alfonzo Galvan Data & Performance AnaylstEleanor GossenCommunications CoordinatorStephanie Escobar Technical Assistance SpecialistZach Espinoza Development & Community Relations ManagerTavia Manners Executive AssistantJason Opalinski Training ManagerMarcie Ramsey SOAR Lead & Outreach CoordinatorCrystal Santibanez System Administration CoordinatorVirginia Woodard Fiscal & HR AnalystJoshua Yates Research Anaylst
2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home | 3BOARD OF DIRECTORSLa Juana Chambers LawsonFounder & CEO, Tacit Growth Strategies LLCPRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENTSECRETARYTREASURERPhil BeckettCEO, C3HIETyler ShoesmithExecutive Director Oce of Pupil Personnel Services NEISDAbe CapetilloAVP of Claims Moderinzation IT, USAABOARD MEMBERSScott AckersonAlliance Advisory Board Chair Director of Social Impact Studio at WestEast Design GroupJustin HolleyAlliance Advisory Board Co-Chair Executive Director, THRIVE Youth CenterValerie NarvaezLived Experience Advisory Board Chair Director of Homeless Services, Christian Assistance Ministry Jason Aleman Senior Vice President, Community Impact, United Way of San Antonio and Bexar CountyMatthew Howard Director of the CIU, Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Oce Martina Hinojosa Senior Counsel, Bracewell LLP William McManus Chief of Police, San Antonio Police Department Cristina Noriega Artist, CNoriega Fine Arts Inc. Robert Reyna Director of Community Development and Housing, Bexar County Javier Salazar Sheri, Bexar County Sheri’s Oce Dr. Jack Tsai Campus Dean and Professor, UTHealth School of Public Health Melody Woosley Director Department of Human Services, City of San Antonio Greg Zlotnick Visiting Clinical Assistant Professor, St. Mary’s University School of Law
To our beloved community, Every year, hundreds of people gather on a cold and often rainy night to conduct our annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a one-night census of the number of people experiencing homelessness. This year, over 300 people volunteered for the PIT Count, a powerful reminder of the community’s commitment to compassionately understanding the lived experiences of homelessness, in order to strengthen services and ultimately end homelessness. Our annual State of Homelessness Report is an opportunity to reect on the past year—celebrating progress while acknowledging the road ahead. And today, much like in 2020, we are confronting extraordinary challenges. We are still feeling the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside rising ination, increasing housing costs, stagnant wages, and growing numbers of evictions. On top of this, we now face uncertainty around continued federal funding for critical housing interventions like Permanent Supportive Housing. 4 | 2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND BOARD PRESIDENT In the face of these challenges, our path forward must be one of unity. Locally, we must strengthen collaboration, close service gaps, center the voices of those with lived experience, and advocate ercely for one another. Our shared belief remains rm: everyone deserves a safe place to call home. It takes a village—and ours is strong. More than 75 Alliance partners, service providers and supportive organizations working on the front lines of housing and homelessness, show up every day to make collective change for our unhoused neighbors. Without their commitment, compassion, and relentless eort, none of this would be possible. We invite you to review this year’s key ndings, learn about the trends shaping our response, and take our call to action. Then, together—as business leaders, service providers, elected ocials, and advocates—we can plan for the year ahead and build a better homelessness response that ensures no one is left behind. We are honored to do this work alongside you. With gratitude, Katie Wilson,Close to Home, Executive Director La Juana Chambers Lawson, Board President
2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home | 5Bringing a voice to the table for others experiencing homelessness is the reason why I wake up exuberant every day! Knowing that I can and will change someone’s circumstances for the better. Just as my circumstances were changed by someone advocating for me when I was unhoused and living on the street.- Lived Expertise Advisory Board MemberAt the heart of every meaningful change is a group of individuals who believe that change is possible. The Lived Expertise Advisory Board (LEAB) and the Youth Action Board (YAB) bring “Nothing about us, without us” to life, ensuring that individuals with current or past experiences of homelessness are not just consulted, they are leading the conversation and providing valuable feedback necessary for great change. The members of these advisory boards serve as vision holders across the Alliance’s work. Every major policy, priority, and project is reviewed by the LEAB for gaps, barriers, and accessibility. Their insight makes our system more person-centered and responsive, from shaping new initiatives, to improving how information is shared.Nothing About Us, Without Us: Voices Leading the Movement to End Homelessness
6 | 2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home The Alliance to House Everyone is made up of over 75 multi-sector organizations and facilitated by Close to Home. With the shared belief that no single agency can end homelessness alone, the Alliance drives system-wide planning, identies service gaps, recommends strategies, delivers technical assistance, provides training, and helps guide policy and funding decisions. The work of the Alliance is currently guided by the 2025 Action Plan. This one-year plan is aligned to the Alliance’s larger 2020 - 2025 strategic plan, as well as federal goals, and reects a focused eort to drive measurable progress in San Antonio and Bexar County. The 2025 Action Plan is made up of the following eight objectives: To help ensure the expertise of individuals with current or past experiences of homelessness are guiding the work, the governing structure of the Alliance includes the Lived Expertise Advisory Board (LEAB) and the Youth Action Board (YAB). The Alliance is a powerful example of how cross-sector collaboration—government, nonprots, philanthropy, healthcare, business, and community—can drive lasting change. With the shared belief that no single agency can end homelessness alone, the Alliance serves as the collective voice and strategic anchor, progressing us towards a cohesive homeless response system committed to ensuring everyone has a place to call home.For new or prospective Alliance Partners, more information about the 2025 Action Plan and the Alliance Governance Structure can be found in the Appendix of this report. ABOUT THE ALLIANCE TO HOUSE EVERYONE “It feels liberating and rewarding to be a voice in our community as a person with lived experience.” - Lived Expertise Advisory Board MemberPrevent Homelessness & Reduce Inow Expand Housing Options & Accelerate Housing PlacementsStrengthen Homeless Response & Services for Youth and Young Adults (YYA)Improve Coordination & Access to Domestic Violence ServicesImprove Access to Healthcare ServicesStrengthen Street Outreach Coordination Eectively Address Opportunities for AccessStrengthen System & Partner Capacity
2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home | 7American GI Forum-NVOPBEAT AIDS Bexar County Bexar County Community Supervision and Corrections Dept. Bexar County Conviction Integrity (CIU) Bexar County Public Defender's Oce Boysville BSHP Student Nurses Association Catholic Charities Catholic Worker House Centro Christian Assistance Ministry Chrysalis Ministries Communities Under the Bridge Corazon San AntonioCity of San Antonio Department of Human Services Crosspoint, Inc. Department of Family and Protective Services Endeavors ESC Region 20 For Her Form Communities Family Violence Prevention Services Guadalupe Home Haven for Hope Homeless Management Information System(HMIS) Housing Authority of Bexar County Housing First Community Coalition Local Initiative Support Corporation Luminary Ministries Magdalena House Mastermind Recovery Narrow Path Sober Living NISD Connections Program North East ISD Northwest Vista College Student Advocacy Opportunity Home San Antonio Palo Alto CollegePride Center Prospera Housing Community Services Rivers of Hope Ministry Roy Maas Youth Alternatives San Antonio Food Bank SA Hope Center Saint Mary's University Society of St. Vincent de Paul SAMMinistries San Antonio Aids Foundation San Antonio Behavioral Health San Antonio Housing Trust San Antonio Legal Services Association Southwind Fields Street Medicine San Antonio Strong Foundation Successfully Aging and Living in San Antonio Sun Curating Group LLC Texas RioGrande Legal Aid The Center for Health Care Services The Salvation Army The Tithing Foundation Thrive Youth Center THRU Project THUGGIN for Christ Travis Park Church United Way 211 University Hospital Robert B Green Pharmacy UT Health San Antonio, Transitional Care Clinic UT Health School of Public Health University of Texas at San Antonio Veteran Aairs Virtue in Solice Visitation House Warriors Heart WestEast Design Group Social Impact Studio YWCAAlliance Partners
8 | 2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home This 2025 State of Homelessness Report comes at a pivotal moment. In Bexar County and across the country, homelessness is rising. Homelessness is driven by predictable socio-economic forces, including rising rents, stagnant wages, and limited access to critical health and human services. National data shows that for every $100 increase in median rent, for example, homelessness increases by 9%.1 The need for housing and critical services is outpacing what is available, straining even the most dedicated systems of care, and federal funding remains uncertain. While this reality is daunting, it is also true that our local collaboration is stronger than ever and holds proven solutions that are ready to scale. Over 75 organizations, including City and County governments, nonprot organizations, and colleges, now participate in the Alliance to House Everyone. Facilitated by Close to Home, the Alliance works together through a coordinated governance structure to strengthen the homeless response system. This year will conclude the Alliance’s ve-year Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness, launched in 2020. Homelessness is solvable. It requires investing in prevention, ensuring our homeless response system has the capacity to help everyone in crisis, and expanding aordable housing options with needed support services to rehouse even our most vulnerable community members. In short, the solution is clear and consistent: people need access to aordable, long-term housing and the right level of support to maintain it. EXECUTIVE SUMMARYNational data shows that for every $100 increase in median rent, for example, homelessness increases by 9%. Source: GAO U.S. Government Accountability Oce
2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home | 9In this report, we share six key takeaways about the state of homelessness. We based these on our unique vantage point as the facilitator of the Alliance—this includes critical insight from our Lived Experience Advisory Board and Youth Advisory Board members—as well as our analysis of the 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count data. The PIT Count is a one-night census providing information about people experiencing homelessness in our community. We complement this data with additional local, regional, and national sources.We follow the key takeaways by sharing a breakdown of the PIT Count data. As a one-night snapshot, the PIT Count data cannot tell the complete story of homelessness. It can, however, help highlight trends and reveal persistent or changing needs. During the 2025 PIT Count, 3,625 individuals were counted as experiencing homelessness—2,489 individuals were sheltered and 1,136 individuals were unsheltered. These numbers represent people—children, parents, friends, colleagues, and neighbors who are experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness. It will take all of us working together to end homelessness. Whether you are a community member who shares our mission, an elected ocial, journalist, funder, or a member of the Alliance, we invite you to review this report closely, reect on the data, stories, trends, and commit to one (or a few) of the calls to action included. With sustained investment, collaboration, and leadership, we can change the trajectory of homelessness in San Antonio and Bexar County. 1. Housing is increasingly out of reach for many. 2. Our homeless response system is working well but is under-resourced. 3. Children represent the largest single age group experiencing homelessness. 4. People experiencing homelessness have pressing healthcare needs. 5. Domestic violence is a key driver of homelessness. 6. Targeted interventions lead to real progress. 3,625individuals were counted as experiencing homelessness during the 2025 PIT Count.
10 | 2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home This section highlights the six most signicant ndings informed by Close to Home’s unique vantage point on the State of Homelessness, as the coordinator of the Alliance, as well as our analysis of the 2025 Point-in-Time Count data and additional local, regional, and national data sources. The key ndings are explained using specic PIT Count data points for sheltered and/or unsheltered populations, as well as community indicators that inuence homelessness, including housing aordability, poverty, domestic violence, and more. KEY FINDINGSHousing is increasingly out of reach for many. The cost of living continues to outpace income, and the availability of aordable housing has not kept pace with the community’s growing needs. Approximately 14% of people in Bexar County live in poverty. Further, United for ALICE calculates the number of individuals who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed (ALICE). This working population is paid wages above the Federal Poverty Line, but not enough to aord basic expenses in the county where they live. In Bexar County, this number has grown from 1 in 4—25%—in 2010 to nearly 1 in 3—31%—in 2023. These numbers reect people who are at-risk of experiencing homelessness. When disaggregated by race, there are marked disparities. People or Individuals who identify as Black, African American, or African make up 7.6% of Bexar County’s population and 19.2% live in poverty, while 25.8% of white people make up Bexar County’s population with an 8.3% poverty rate. Because community indicators such as housing aordability and poverty inuence homelessness, the disparities reected here mirror the disparities within homelessness. This year’s PIT Count data shows that People or Individuals who identify as Black, African American, or African remain overrepresented in the sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations. At the same time, we know proven solutions exist. In 2021, Bexar County saw its lowest number of sheltered individuals at 1,499 (there wasn’t an unsheltered PIT Count that year). 2021 also saw a continued moratorium on evictions, which ended in February 2022. By 2023, 24,533 eviction cases were led in Bexar County, most notably in the northwest side of San Antonio. While Bexar County’s homeless response system is robust, it oers services for people who are experiencing homelessness or are on the brink of experiencing homelessness. These services include eviction resources, emergency utility assistance, and diversion services, like the Community Connections Hotline. The homeless response system alone cannot stop the inow of rst-time homelessness, which requires addressing the root causes of homelessness, including housing aordability, living wages, and accessible healthcare. This year’s PIT Count saw a total of 3,625 individuals—2,489 individuals were sheltered and 1,136 individuals were unsheltered. 1Between 2019 and 2023, median household income in Bexar County grew by 18.4% while median home value grew by 49%Source: American Community Survey, 1-Year Estimates (2023), Table S1701.2
2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home | 11Among the unsheltered population, 47% of those surveyed reported this was their rst time experiencing homelessness, while approximately 18% of the sheltered population were experiencing homelessness for the rst time. Between 2022 and 2025, the sheltered population grew by 27%, and the unsheltered population grew by 9.7% from 2022 to 2025. The unsheltered numbers are still lower than pre-pandemic numbers, and the fact that they are increasing oers a chance to review past interventions, strengthen prevention strategies, and collaboratively mitigate growth. Our homeless response system is working well, but it is under-resourced. The local homeless response system provides the solutions necessary to serve people experiencing homelessness or on the cusp of homelessness, but it is not funded at the rate necessary to meet the growing community needs. On the night of the PIT Count, for example, 495 “overow” beds were available and oered to unsheltered individuals. To provide a bed to everyone who was unsheltered on the night of the PIT Count, an additional 641 beds were needed. Unsheltered individuals surveyed during the PIT Count reported the resources they need to support them in becoming stably housed—ID and/or document recovery (49.3%), shelter (39.9%), supportive housing or a housing voucher (35.9%), employment (30.3%), and disability benets (18.2%). Homeless response system service providers oer support across these needs, but they are insucient to meet current and growing demands. People experiencing long-term homelessness and with disabling conditions often require Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) to achieve stability. This year’s PIT Count identied 283 individuals in shelter who meet the denition of chronic homelessness. However, PSH availability remains limited, with an average of just 28 openings per month this year — a number expected to decline further as existing slots ll. In recent years, San Antonio and Bexar County received unprecedented federal investments through COVID-19 relief and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). These funds expanded access to critical resources—such as Rapid Rehousing—to help quickly move people into housing. ARPA also supported much-needed system improvements, including the expansion of low-barrier, non-congregate shelter options and increased stang capacity for housing and prevention programs. However, the remaining ARPA funds are set to expire within the next year, and no replacement funding has been identied. At the same time, deep federal cuts are anticipated across the board—from HUD’s Homeless Assistance Grants and housing vouchers to exible funding sources like CDBG and HOME. Cuts to behavioral health, healthcare, and treatment programs will further strain the system. We must recognize the impact of this resource decline on this year’s PIT Count and prepare for an even tighter funding environment ahead. That means working together to share our story, nd eciencies, and double down on collaborative, data-informed solutions that deliver results. 2
12 | 2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home Children represent the largest single age group experiencing homelessness. In Bexar County, 1 in 5 children live in poverty.3 For the rst time, this year’s count identied a child living unsheltered. Ongoing data and feedback from Alliance partners suggest this may signal the start of a troubling trend—more families experiencing homelessness with no safe place to go. In fact, at 20.9%, children make up the largest percentage of a single age group among the sheltered population. Families with children further represent a signicant portion of the sheltered population, highlighting the urgent need for prevention and housing strategies that support families and youth. Nearly 13% of the counted families include at least one individual and one child, representing 32.6% of the sheltered population.4 People experiencing homelessness have pressing healthcare needs. Approximately 16% of people in Bexar County live with a disability and approximately 20% of Bexar County’s population do not have health insurance.5 Many individuals experiencing homelessness face serious, compounding physical, mental, and behavioral health conditions, often without access to consistent care. Among the unsheltered population surveyed, 51.1% reported having a mental health condition, 49.3% reported alcohol or drug use, 35.2% reported having a physical disability, 5.6% reported needing medical equipment like a wheelchair, walker, CPAP machine, oxygen concentrators, or dialysis machines, and 48.2% reported that they do not have health insurance. Among the sheltered population surveyed, 42.5% reported having a disabling condition, 37.4% reported having a mental illness; 26.4% reported having a chronic illness; 20.2% reported having a physical disability; 17.5% acknowledge substance use; 11.9% have a developmental disability, and 47% of sheltered individuals do not have health insurance. Domestic violence is a key driver of homelessness. The Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence (CCDV) is a City/County commission dedicated to reducing family violence. According to CCDV’s 2023 annual statistical report, the number of homicides related to domestic violence has steadily increased from 24 homicides in 2021 to 27 in 2022 and 33 in 2023. Of the unsheltered individuals surveyed the night of the PIT Count, nearly 30% identied themselves as survivors of domestic violence. Of those, 17.3% reported that they were actively eeing domestic violence and 47.4% reported that domestic violence contributed to their homelessness. Of the sheltered individuals surveyed, 15.7% said they had experienced domestic violence upon entry to the shelter. Of those, nearly one-third shared that they were actively eeing a domestic violence situation when they were seeking shelter. 54In Bexar County, 1 in 5 children live in poverty. Source: American Community Survey, 1-Year Estimates (2023), Table S1701.3
2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home | 13Targeted interventions lead to real progress. The data shared throughout this report is critical to delivering the most targeted interventions. When we focus our eorts and work together toward shared goals, we see measurable impact. In 2021, we responded to the national House America Initiative by setting an ambitious goal to rapidly rehouse 1,500 individuals and families. In October 2022, San Antonio became the rst community in the nation to meet its goal. As the Alliance, in 2016, we reached federal benchmarks for eectively ending veteran homelessness, establishing a reliable system to identify and house every veteran in need. In 2025, the PIT Count recorded the lowest number of unsheltered veterans. The number of individuals reporting as Veterans has decreased for both sheltered and unsheltered populations, most signicantly for the latter. This year’s data reects 218 sheltered veterans compared to 222 in 2024 and 19 unsheltered veterans compared to 27 in 2024. This may indicate that Veterans are getting housed and remaining housed. In partnership with elected ocials and supported by San Antonio’s rst housing bond, we have made critical progress in expanding long-term, aordable housing complete with readily available support services that people experiencing chronic homelessness can opt-into voluntarily. This is a proven solution to ending homelessness that is known as Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). With a 97% housing retention rate in San Antonio, PSH remains one of the most eective solutions for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and severe disabling conditions. In addition to improving the lives of people who have experienced homelessness, research shows that PSH generates cost savings by reducing the strain on public services related to health, justice, and emergency response services, and beauties neighborhoods with 6Approximately 16% of people in Bexar County live with a disability and approximately 20% of Bexar County’s population do not have health insurance. Source: American Community Survey, 1-Year Estimates (2023), Table S1701.new or rehabilitated properties. This year, 370 individuals were reported as meeting the denition of chronic homelessness, down from 465 last year. While not all unsheltered individuals could be veried, the sheltered chronically homeless population saw a clear 12% decline—from 320 in 2024 to 283 in 2025. Every success toward ending homelessness has been made possible by organizations, government agencies, funders, and people with lived expertise intentionally leading targeted interventions together.
14 | 2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home OverviewThe Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a one-night census providing information about people experiencing homelessness in our community. As a one-night snapshot, the data cannot tell the complete story of homelessness in San Antonio and Bexar County. It can, however, help highlight trends and reveal persistent or changing needs, especially when assessed alongside other local, regional, and national data sources, combined with Close to Home’s year-round work as the facilitator of the Alliance to House Everyone. The PIT Count attempts to include all individuals experiencing homelessness in a single night—sheltered and unsheltered. Sheltered individuals include those who are staying in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or safe haven settings. Unsheltered individuals are those who are observed by volunteers living in a place not meant for human habitation, such as under overpasses, in abandoned buildings, or in a car. Analyzing and reporting the data disaggregated by the sheltered and unsheltered population is essential to understanding and responding to the distinct challenges and needs among people experiencing homelessness. This is why this section begins with an overview of the homeless population, then provides a breakdown of the sheltered population followed by the unsheltered population. Note: This year, to comply with recent executive orders that apply to federally-funded agencies, Close to Home is not permitted to collect or report data on gender or dene equity as part of this year’s report. Close to Home will continue to focus on data reporting and solutions to ensure everyone has access to needed resources. During this year’s PIT Count, 3,625 individuals were counted as experiencing homelessness—2,489 individuals were sheltered and 1,136 individuals were unsheltered. These 3,625 individuals make up 2,913 households—1,909 in shelters and 1,004 unsheltered. Households are self-identied by individuals, and the PIT Count survey does not ask them to identify their specic relationship to each other. Households may include legally married couples, blood relatives, or friends identifying as one household. Between 2012 and 2020, Bexar County saw a marked decrease in sheltered and unsheltered populations—a 23.2% decrease in sheltered individuals and a 27.7% decrease in unsheltered individuals. In 2021, Bexar County saw its lowest number of sheltered individuals at 1,499. 2021 also saw POINT-IN-TIME COUNT DATA The annual PIT Count is possible thanks to volunteers. This year, more than 300 people volunteered their time. The community collectively spent approximately 1,500 hours preparing, compassionately surveying, and getting to know people experiencing homelessness across our community.
2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home | 15a moratorium on evictions in Bexar County, which ended in February 2022 (due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the PIT Count was not conducted for the unsheltered population).Between 2022 and 2025, the sheltered population grew by 27.1%. After a marked decline of 14% between 2022 and 2024, the unsheltered population grew by 27.9% between 2024 and 2025. Overall, the unsheltered population grew by 9.7% from 2022 to 2025. PIT UNSHELTERED COUNT2022-2025PIT SHELTERED COUNT2022-2025
16 | 2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home PIT COUNT DATA: SHELTERED POPULATION During this year’s PIT Count, 2,489 individuals were experiencing sheltered homelessness, a slight increase—0.2%—from the number of individuals identied in the 2024 sheltered count. While the overall change from last year to this year is minimal, there has been a 27.1% increase in the sheltered population since 2022. This data reects a rising demand for emergency and temporary shelter options that are pathways for sustainable and aordable housing in the community. This rise may signal ongoing pressures in the housing market and highlights the importance of sustaining and expanding shelter capacity to meet the evolving needs of the community as a whole. Of the 2,489 individuals counted as sheltered, 2,327 individuals were counted as part of one data collection system known as the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and 162 individuals were counted by Alliance partners that do not use HMIS. In some sections below, the data collected does not reect the 162 individuals because they were not asked the same questions. Those sections are noted below as reecting information about 2,327 individuals, excluding those counted by non-HMIS participating organizations. Demographics: Age, Race/Ethnicity, and Veteran StatusAmong the 2,489 individuals experiencing sheltered homelessness on the night of the count, the majority, 57.2% (1,423), were ages 35 years or older. The single largest age group within the sheltered population was children ages 0 to 17, who made up 20.9% (520) of the total. This highlights the existence of families with children in shelters and shows the need for family-centered shelter coordination, services, and early interventions that help prevent childhood homelessness.The largest population of sheltered individuals are Hispanic/Latina/e/o, making up 40.1% (1,271). Notably, like previous counts, individuals who are Black, African American, and/or African are overrepresented when compared to their presence in the overall San Antonio and Bexar County population. Black, African American, and/or African individuals account for 17.4%, over double their share of the overall County population at 7.6%. Of those experiencing sheltered homelessness, 8.8% (218) identied as Veterans. This gure is especially signicant considering San Antonio’s identity as “Military City, USA”—a city entrenched in nearly 300 years of military history and home to one of the nation’s largest active-duty and Veteran populations. The data showing 218 Veterans in shelters emphasizes the ongoing requirements for services tailored to honor the previous military services of these individuals while addressing the complex challenges some Veterans may face after discharge.
2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home | 17First-Time Homelessness and Chronic Homelessness This is the rst year this report has included information on individuals who are experiencing homelessness for the rst time. The sheltered count revealed that 18.3% of individuals, excluding those in non-HMIS participating organizations, are experiencing homelessness for the rst time. This represents a total of 427 individuals who are new to the homeless response system in San Antonio and Bexar County. Alternatively, for the 1,893 individuals in shelters with known information, 14.9% (283) meet the HUD denitions for chronic homelessness, meaning that they have experienced long-term or repeated episodes of homelessness alongside having a disabling condition. These ndings highlight the diversity of needs across the community, ranging from rapid rehousing and prevention strategies for those who are homeless for the rst time, to more intensive interventions with wrap-around services, such as permanent supportive housing, for those experiencing chronic homelessness. These interventions, along with community-driven, aordable housing developments, can help respond to people experiencing homelessness today while preventing homelessness in the face of growing housing costs, stagnant wages, inaccessible health care, and other systemic pressures. Households There were 1,909 total sheltered households during the 2025 PIT Count, and 12.7% (243) of these households include at least one adult and one child. Made up of 812 individuals, these households make up 32.6% of the total sheltered population, showing the importance of shelter resources that are designed to meet the unique needs of adults and children experiencing homelessness together. Two households were each made up of only children under the age of 18, representing a small but vulnerable group of children navigating the experience of homelessness alone. The remaining 1,664 households, representing 1,675 individuals, were made up of adults without children. These explanations show the range of household types within the shelter system and reinforce the need for exible shelter models that can accommodate diverse family structures, including unaccompanied minors, and single-parent families.Note: Single Race and Multiple Races: For Race and Ethnicity, these counts show the number of people in each race group who selected a single race or multiple races, with and without selecting Hispanic/Latina/e/o ethnicity. People who selected multiple races are counted in more than one race category.
18 | 2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home Percentages do not reect changes year over year; Due to changes in survey questions, comparisons year over year would not accurately reect responses (including but not limited to Substance Use and other health conditions).Note: The questions above regarded situations that kept individuals from holding a job or living in stable housing were asked at the end of the of the health conditions section, as such the respondents could have been referring to one, or many of those conditions aecting their ability to hold a job or living in stable housing.Survivors of Domestic ViolenceThe PIT Count survey uses the HUD denition for “domestic violence” and includes domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. This violence continues to be a signicant contributing factor to sheltered homelessness. Among sheltered individuals, 15.7% (392) reported a history of experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Nearly one-third of those individuals (122) shared that they were actively eeing domestic violence. These ndings show the crucial, life-saving role that emergency shelters play in providing safe shelter and stability for survivors and also highlights the need for continued use of trauma-informed services that act as safe housing pathways, specically for individuals escaping violence. Connections to other systems has continued to play a role in serving this population, such as connecting partners to the Alliance, which have allowed for the expansion of access to safe and condential supportive services for individuals who are survivors or actively eeing or attempting to ee domestic violence. Health Conditions and Medical Care Health-related challenges experienced by people in sheltered settings on the night of the count are widespread and compounding. In fact, 42.5% of sheltered individuals reported living with a disabling condition, and 37.4% disclosed a mental illness. Chronic illnesses aect over a quarter of the sheltered population (26.4%), while 20.2% reported having a physical disability, and 11.9% indicated having a developmental disability. Alcohol and substance use was acknowledged by 17.5%. Additionally, 1.5% (35) reported living with AIDS or an HIV-related illness. Due to stigma and the need to build trust with people over time, it is widely understood that this data is likely under-reported on the night of the PIT Count. The limited data indicates that people experiencing AIDS or an HIV-related illness need consistent, specialized, and trauma-informed care. Note: Individuals could select none, one, or all of the various health conditions presented to them. Despite these signicant concerns regarding the health of sheltered individuals, nearly half (47%, or 1,175 individuals) do not have access to health insurance, creating considerable barriers to accessing treatment, medications, and ongoing care. These ndings show the need for higher levels of access to health care, and integrated medical, behavioral, and housing services within the community to support the stability of health, wellness, and long-term successful housing outcomes. Chronic IllnessDisablingConditionMentalIllnessPhysicalDisabilityDevelopmentalDisabilitySubstanceUseNo Access to Medical InsuranceHIV/AIDS1.5%(1.16% in '24)47%(24% in '24)17.5%(24% in '24)11.9%(9% in '24)20.2%(18% in '24)37.4%(33% in '24)42.5%(40% in '24)26.4%(25% in '24)Sheltered Individuals 2025 PIT Count
2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home | 19PIT COUNT DATA: UNSHELTERED POPULATION During this year’s PIT Count, 1,136 individuals were experiencing unsheltered homelessness, a 27.9% increase over the PIT Count in 2024. These individuals make up 1,004 households. While there was a signicant increase over last year’s count, the count remains 30% lower than it was in 2012. Like the sheltered population, this rise may signal ongoing pressures in the housing market and highlights the importance of sustaining and expanding shelter capacity to meet the evolving needs of the community as a whole. Of the total unsheltered population counted, 39.2% (446) participated in a survey to share their experiences and needs. The sections below reect the responses of these 446 individuals. Demographics: Age, Race/Ethnicity, and Veteran Status Of the 446 unsheltered individuals, 66.5% (310) were 35 years old or older. The largest single age bracket represented were individuals between 35 and 44 years old, who made up 29.6% (132). Only 16.6% (74) were under the age of 35, most of which were within the age backet of 25 to 34 years old (14.1% or 63 individuals). This distribution suggests that middle-aged adults are particularly vulnerable to experiencing unsheltered homelessness in our community. Individuals who are Hispanic/Latina/e/o make up the largest portion of unsheltered individuals at 51.2% (290). Notably, like previous counts, individuals who are Black/African American/African are overrepresented when compared to the Bexar County population. Black/African American/African individuals account for 17.8%, over double their share of the overall County population at 7.6%. The disparities reected here mirror the disparities that exist across population-level indicators that inuence homelessness, including poverty, wages, and health insurance. Note: American Indians/Alaska Native/Indigenous individuals make up 1.9% of the unsheltered population and, according to the Census, represent only 0.1% of the broader community population. However, the Census data has a signicant margin of error for this population that makes it dicult to know for certain if American Indians/Alaska Native/Indigenous individuals are disproportionately represented among the unsheltered homeless population. Note: The percentages do not add up to 100%, as the survey responses left blank or unknown are not visualized here.
20 | 2025 State of Homelessness Report| Close to Home Among unsheltered individuals who were surveyed, 4.3% (19) are Veterans. This relatively low number reects the success of a multi-year, targeted intervention to eectively end unsheltered homelessness among Veterans. This includes well-resourced support services tailored to meet the unique needs of Veterans. First-Time Homelessness and Chronic Homelessness Nearly half of the unsheltered individuals surveyed, 46.9% (209), reported that this was their rst time experiencing homelessness. Among these, 46.9% (98) had been living in a home or apartment that they either rented or owned prior to losing their housing. This indicates that many of these individuals may have experienced a sudden or recent loss of stability. On the other hand, 18.4% (87) met the criteria for chronic homelessness, pointing to a population with long-term and repeated episodes of homelessness paired with often compounding, disabling conditions. When disaggregated by race/ethnicity, other disparities emerge. The majority of people experiencing homelessness for the rst time were Hispanic/Latina/e/o (60%). Additionally Black/African American/African are overrepresented in both rst-time homelessness and chronic homelessness further emphasizing the deep and persistent disparities across indicators that inuence homelessness. Note: American Indians/Alaska Native/Indigenous individuals make up 2% of the unsheltered population experiencing rst time homelessness and, according to the Census, represent only 0.1% of the broader community population. However, the Census data has a signicant margin of error for this population that makes it dicult to know for certain if American Indians/Alaska Native/Indigenous individuals are disproportionately represented among the local unsheltered homeless population.
2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home | 21Households, Children, and Foster Care This year’s unsheltered count included a notable and concerning rst: a household consisting of one child under the age of 18 was identied among the 1,004 unsheltered households counted. This marks the rst time ever that a child has been recorded living in unsheltered conditions during the night of the count, highlighting the critical need for rapid intervention and youth-focused outreach. The rest of the 1,003 unsheltered households were composed of adults without children, accounting for 1,135 individuals. Among unsheltered individuals who were surveyed, 13% (58) reported having been placed in foster care at some point in their lives. Of those with a history in foster care, 41.4% stated that they did not have a stable place to live when they aged out of the system, which highlights a critical gap in support during the transition of children in foster care to adulthood. These ndings show the importance of improved discharge planning and long-term housing support for youth aging out of the foster care system and becoming young adults. Individuals, ages 18 to 24, have local and federal resources allocated for their specic needs. Similar to services for Veterans, a well-resourced, coordinated approach is possible to prevent and eectively end youth homelessness.Survivors of Domestic Violence The PIT Count uses the HUD denition for “domestic violence” under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and includes domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Nearly one in three unsheltered individuals surveyed, 29.8% (133), identied as survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Among these 133 survivors, 17.3% (23) reported that they were actively eeing a domestic violence situation. Additionally, nearly half—47.4% (63)—of those who had experienced domestic violence stated that it directly contributed to their current experience of homelessness. These ndings emphasize the urgent need for a trauma-informed approach to service delivery and safe housing options that address the inuence of domestic violence on homelessness.During the PIT Count, ALL unsheltered individuals are oered transportation to a shelter.
22 | 2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home Health Conditions and Medical Care While many people who were experiencing unsheltered homelessness on the night of the count rated their overall health as “excellent” or close to excellent, this self-reporting appears to conict with other health-related responses throughout the survey. Nearly half, 49.3% (220 individuals) acknowledge current alcohol or substance use, and over half (51.1%) reported having a mental health condition. Additionally, 35.2% indicated living with a physical disability, and 5.6% stated they rely on medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, or dialysis machines. A small portion, 2% (or 9 individuals) reported living with AIDS or an HIV-related illness. Again, similar to the data reported for the sheltered population, due to stigma and the need to build trust with people over time, it is widely understood that this data is likely under-reported on the night of the PIT Count. The limited data indicates that people experiencing AIDS or an HIV-related illness need consistent, specialized, and trauma-informed care. Despite these complex and often compounding health needs, 48.2% (215) said they do not have health insurance, highlighting major gaps in access to healthcare. Note: Individuals could select none, one, or all of the various health conditions presented to them. The above data only reects accounting for the known responses (446 individuals). Note: The questions above regarded situations that kept individuals from holding a job or living in stable housing were asked at the end of the of the health conditions section, as such the respondents could have been referring to one, or many of those conditions aecting their ability to hold a job or living in stable housing. Percentages do not reect changes year over year. Due to changes in survey questions, comparisons year over year would not accurately reect responses (including but not limited to Substance Use and other health conditions). MentalIllnessPhysicalDisabilitySubstanceUseNo Access to Medical InsuranceHIV/AIDS2%(0.67% in '24)48.2%(61% in '24)49.3%(21.5% in '24)35.2%(16% in '24)51.1%(24% in '24)Unheltered Individuals 2025 PIT Count
2025 State of Homeless Report | Close to Home | 23Needs Assessment As part of the yearly needs assessment conducted during the PIT Count, unsheltered individuals were asked to identify the top three resources that would support them in achieving stable housing. The most reported need was assistance with ID (identication) or document recovery, which was selected by 49.3% of respondents. ID and documents are becoming an ever more foundational requirement for accessing most housing and support services. Shelter was the second most cited need at 39.9%, followed by supportive housing or housing vouchers at 35.9% and employment opportunities at 30.3%. When focusing specically on individuals who were experiencing homelessness for the rst time, the identied needs shift slightly. For this group, ID or document recovery and shelter tied as the most pressing needs at 26.3%, followed by employment (22.5%), and supporting housing or housing voucher (21.1%). These responses suggest that rst-time homelessness may be more directly related to recent disruptions in housing and employment, whereas long-term or recurring homelessness may require more intensive and targeted support services. Note: Individuals could select none, one, or all of the various resources presented to them. ID & DOCUMENT RECOVERY 49.3%SHELTER39.9%SUPPORTIVE HOUSING OR HOUSING VOUCHERS35.9%EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES30.3%TOP 4 NEEDS
24 | 2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home CALL TO ACTIONHomelessness is solvable. At Close to Home, we remain committed, regardless of political or economic headwinds, to a future where every person in San Antonio and Bexar County has a safe place to call home. Achieving this future is only possible with all of us working together. As this report makes clear, we face urgent challenges, but we also see clearly what works: investment, collaboration, and leadership. FUNDERS & POLICY MAKERSYour continued investment makes progress possible. Your leadership can drive the structural change we need.• Fully fund our homeless response system. Nonprots are facing steep declines in individual giving, the end of COVID-era resources, and looming federal funding shortfalls. Without strong local support, critical programs are at risk. • Learn more about the funding challenges our partners are facing and step in to sustain progress, prevent service disruptions, and help scale what works. • Expand investments in homelessness prevention to stop homelessness before it starts. More than 600 people counted in this year’s Point-in-Time Count were experiencing homelessness for the rst time. • Engage with Close to Home and the Alliance as content experts when creating policies and making budget decisions that inuence homelessness policy, funding, or system changes. • Promote increased collaboration across sectors, including government, nonprots, philanthropy, and companies, to strengthen the homeless response system. • Actively challenge the myth that people choose to be homeless and amplify the local progress we have made as a community. • Actively challenge the myth that the homeless response system is failing or has sucient resources – when homelessness numbers are driven by economic factors, not the homeless response system. • Support the next housing bond to increase aordable housing and shelter options, including Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). • Support zoning reforms that enable more aordable housing development. • Prioritize long-term solutions over short-term responses. While pressure to clear encampments will persist, educating the community on evidence-based, sustainable strategies such as: supportive housing or the link between housing costs and homelessness which can build consensus around approaches that lead to real, lasting reductions in homelessness. • Expand access to consistent healthcare and behavioral health services that help people maintain their housing or get needed treatment. • Invest in diversion and eviction prevention strategies that prevent homelessness before it begins.
2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home | 25ALLIANCE PARTNERSYour frontline work is the foundation of our system.• Stay engaged by joining an Alliance Committee to help shape local policies and coordination. • Share your on-the-ground expertise to rene strategies and improve the health of the whole system through our strategic planning process and surveys requesting feedback. • Use this report’s data to strengthen your programs and advocate for the resources your clients need. • Collaborate across sectors to align services and improve outcomes. INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS:You play a vital role. Here’s how you can help. • Share the key facts in this report with your networks to raise awareness. • Make “Billy Bundles” - small care kits with socks, snacks, and hygiene items - to distribute to neighbors experiencing homelessness. We recommend including resource cards with services available on our website. • Request a “Homelessness 101” session at your school, workplace, or faith community. • Volunteer with or donate to nonprots that are part of the Alliance to build long-term impact. • Register to vote and support candidates committed to housing and humane homelessness solutions. • Hold elected ocials accountable to data-informed policy and resource allocation. • Join the Alliance to House Everyone - or deepen your engagement by serving on a committee. • Speak up at city and county meetings and write to your representatives in support of aordable housing developments in your neighborhood. • Support Close to Home by joining the Neighbor's Circle monthly donor program at closetohomesa.org/donate. JOURNALISTS AND MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA: • Commit to reporting and storytelling that humanizes homelessness and the structural solutions necessary to prevent homelessness, such as aordable housing, an end to domestic violence, and an increase in health insurance coverage. • Use the data and research in this report to tell more complete stories about local progress, including the decrease in chronic homelessness, the higher rates of people who are sheltered compared to unsheltered, and the lessons learned from increased investments during the COVID-19 pandemic. • Engage Alliance Partners as content experts when reporting on homelessness and related systemic issues, such as aordable housing and domestic violence.
26 | 2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home LEAVING A LEGACY—HONORING BILLY MAHONE IIISome people leave behind more than memories—they leave behind movements. Billy Mahone III was one of those rare individuals whose life radiated purpose, compassion, and unwavering dedication to his community. Born and raised in San Antonio, Billy never stopped giving back to the place he called home. Whether advocating for those experiencing homelessness, welcoming stray dogs with open arms, or quietly showing up for others in need, Billy’s kindness knew no bounds. His life was a living testament to what it means to be "all in" for people, for justice, and for hope. Billy wasn’t just a colleague; he was a friend, a mentor, and the heartbeat of Close to Home’s mission. He inspired others to care more deeply, to act more boldly, and to listen more compassionately. He encouraged hikes, yoga, and self-care not as trends, but as acts of healing. After his passing in July of 2023, Close to Home honored Billy by adding “All In” to its core values and championing a Billy Bundle Campaign— a powerful reminder that we must carry his legacy forward by continuing to serve with the same heart and tenacity he modeled every day. Billy’s legacy lives most vividly in the small acts of service he was able to oer to his neighbors. One such act became a symbol of his spirit: keeping resources for neighbors in a baggy in his car, each one lled with a snack, water, and resources for local shelters. These bags, now lovingly known as “Billy Bundles,” reect his belief that every neighbor deserves to be seen, supported, and treated with humanity. While each bundle can be assembled in countless ways, common items include essentials like a toothbrush, deodorant, bottled water, nail clippers, a simple snack, body wipes, a local resource card, and/or a handwritten note of encouragement. Billy Mahone III didn’t just live in San Antonio—he lived for it. His legacy is stitched into the very fabric of our work, and as long as we continue to show up for our neighbors, his story will keep unfolding in the hearts of all who believe in a more compassionate world. Building and passing out Billy Bundles is a way to honor his legacy and share compassion with our neighbors.
2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home | 27Bold & Brave Homelessness Legacy Award in Memory of Dianne TalbertMorjoriee WhiteCity of San Antonio Metro Health DistrictThe Bold & Brave Homelessness Legacy Award is an annual recognition established in memory of Dianne Talbert, a erce advocate, mentor, and changemaker whose impact on the San Antonio and Bexar County community remains immeasurable. A retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant and longtime Executive Director of Communities Under the Bridge, Dianne combined strength, joy, and deep compassion in her lifelong service to people experiencing homelessness. She created sacred spaces of healing, empowered others through mentorship, and led with erce love and conviction—especially for those most often overlooked. This award honors individuals who carry forward Dianne’s legacy: boldly challenging injustice, bravely showing up for others, and changing lives through presence, joy, and unwavering care. It is a celebration of those who, like Dianne, make room for healing, lead with heart, and believe in the dignity of every person.2025 HOMELESS SERVICE HEROESIn the face of overwhelming need, shifting systems, and personal sacrice, there are people who choose—every single day—to show up with heart, grit, and radical compassion. These are our Homeless Service Heroes. Each year, we honor individuals who go far beyond their job descriptions to serve, uplift, and stand beside our unhoused neighbors. Their work is not easy. It demands emotional strength, relentless determination, and a deep belief in the dignity of every person. And still, they rise. With humility, empathy, and tireless commitment, these heroes turn compassion into action, meeting people where they are and walking with them toward stability and hope. This recognition is not about prestige—it’s about impact. Nominated by their peers and selected by the Close to Home Board of Directors, Youth Action Board (YAB), and Lived Expertise Advisory Board (LEAB), these individuals are celebrated because of who they are when no one is watching. This honor is a heartfelt thank you—for leading with love, for standing in the gap, and for reminding us all what it means to be a good neighbor. Paul SantibanezSAMMinistries Street OutreachThomas GarciaSAMMinistries Emergency ShelterRon NirenbergFormer Mayor of San AntonioTiany SaundersSAMMinistriesEmergency ShelterSuyapa MunozCorazón San Antonio
28 | 2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home APPENDIXThe Alliance to House Everyone’s 2025 Action Plan outlines eight key objectives, along with specic actions, timelines, metrics, and responsible parties. It aligns with the 5-Year Homeless Strategic Plan (2020–2025), which was developed by the City of San Antonio and adopted by Close to Home’s Continuum of Care Board of Directors in 2021. The ve-year Strategic Plan serves as the foundation for the Alliance's guide. The 2025 Action Plan helps the Alliance track progress, identify challenges—such as the expiration of Federal ARPA relief funds—and prepare for a broader strategic planning process for 2026 and beyond. ALLIANCE TO HOUSE EVERYONE 2025 ACTION PLAN AND GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home | 29The governance structure of the Alliance to House Everyone, composed of over 75 partner organizations, oversees, guides, and implements the 2025 Action Plan. Three Advisory Boards oversee progress across all objectives and will inform the development of the next one-year action plan. • Homeless Strategic Plan Advisory Board - guides priorities and assigns priorities to committees: » HMIS & Data Advisory Committee - monitors performance metrics and supports data-driven decision-making » Homeless Response System Advisory Committee - leads implementation strategies » Alliance Communications Advisory Committee - ensures meaningful and integrated public messaging • Lived Experience Advisory Board and Youth Action Board • Alliance Advisory Board - monitors progress and measures success Each committee and advisory board is composed of seats that ensure broad participation from the Alliance. This structure allows for distributed leadership across the homeless response system, clear accountability, and a coordinated strategy toward achieving the action plan. Each advisory committee has several subcommittees on further specialized areas of focus. COVID-19 highlighted the urgency of this coordinated approach. As the world paused, the Alliance moved with intention, aligning across roles, organizations, and systems all to ensure no one was left behind. All governing body objectives and activities can be found in the CoC Governance Charter at ClosetoHomesa.org. To learn more, email governance@closetohomesa.org. The seats in all of the boards are made up of dierent Alliance members. “The highlight of serving on Lived Expertise Advisory Board (LEAB) is being able to say that I am a credible person in our community making systematic changes for people experiencing homelessness.” - Lived Expertise Advisory Board Member
30 | 2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home METHODOLOGY & NOTES All Continuums of Care (CoCs) are required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to conduct an annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. As the CoC lead agency for the region, Close to Home is responsible for organizing the PIT Count and submitting data to HUD. The 2025 PIT Count was conducted locally on the night of January 28, 2025. Training & Volunteer Coordination This year marked the launch of the Alliance Training Portal, a new Learning Management System used to distribute PIT Count training and manage volunteer registration. The portal allowed for accessible, asynchronous learning, ensuring all volunteers received consistent and standardized training in advance of the count. Sheltered Count Methodology The sheltered count combines HMIS data with supplemental data from partner organizations operating emergency shelters, transitional housing, and safe havens. During program intake, individuals are asked a series of questions to gather key demographic and situational information. Participation in the interview is voluntary—individuals may decline to answer any questions or stop at any time. Unsheltered Count Methodology For the unsheltered count, trained volunteers canvassed known locations to identify individuals sleeping outdoors or in places not meant for human habitation. Volunteers asked individuals if they were willing to participate in a verbal survey, entering responses directly into the survey tool. Like the sheltered count, individuals could decline to answer any questions or end the survey at any time. In total, 46 people were surveyed, representing 39.2% of the total unsheltered population identied that night. Use of Outreach Grid & Observational Data Close to Home continued its partnership with Outreach Grid, a mobile data collection platform, to update known locations of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the weeks leading up to the count. Outreach workers contributed to this eort by verifying and adding new locations to ensure accuracy on the night of the count. As in 2024, a high proportion of observational surveys were conducted. This may reect the preferences of individuals who chose not to engage in verbal surveys or were sleeping.
2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home | 31Weather Conditions & Impact HUD requires the PIT Count to occur on a single night during the last ten days of January—typically the coldest period of the year—when people experiencing unsheltered homelessness are more likely to seek shelter. This improves the accuracy of the count and reduces reliance on outreach eorts nationwide for a consistent count. This year, weather conditions were milder than in past counts, with temperatures around 50–60°F and light precipitation. These conditions allowed counts to proceed on schedule, likely contributing to higher volunteer turnout, longer engagement windows, and a greater likelihood that individuals remained in outdoor settings overnight. The PIT Count provides space for our community to collect vital data needed to tell a more accurate story of the needs of people experiencing homelessness.- Lived Expertise Advisory Board Member
32 | 2025 State of Homeless Report | Close to Home Sources1. GAO U.S. Government Accountability Oce2. American Community Survey, 1-Year Estimates (2019, 2021, 2023)3. American Community Survey, 1-Year Estimates (2023)4. American Community Survey, 1-Year Estimates (2023)5. American Community Survey, 1-Year Estimates (2023)BIBLIOGRAPHY
Homelessness is Solvable. Still, solving homelessness is not possible by a single agency, department, or leader; it requires all of us. At the Alliance to House Everyone, we believe collaboration is not optional, but essential. Every step forward in our community, from launching ambitious housing initiatives to navigating unprecedented challenges, has been made possible by partners choosing to work together, not alone. Our shared progress results from collective action by service providers, government agencies, funders, and individuals with lived expertise. A critical engine behind this collaboration is the Continuum of Care (CoC) Governance structure. This structure brings together leaders from across the system, representing diverse agencies, roles, and experiences, who serve as decision-makers and accountability stewards. CoC Governance helps set strategic priorities, align community eorts, and respond to barriers in our service to the families and individuals for whom we collectively serve. Whether It Takes a Village2025 State of Homelessness Report | Close to Home | 33addressing service gaps, policy challenges, or coordination breakdowns, this is the forum where the right people come together to identify solutions and drive collective action. At the heart of this work is a foundation of trust and mutual respect. Every Alliance partner plays a vital role in moving us forward — from frontline sta and outreach workers, to those housing families and individuals, to system planners and board members. Through intentional coordination, transparency, feedback, and shared learning, we ensure our strategic plans and priorities are thoughtful and eectively implemented. We remain grounded in the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home. As we continue to navigate complex challenges, we draw strength from our unity. No organization can solve homelessness alone; fortunately, no one has to. In Bexar County, we know it takes a village - and we are proud to be part of one that shows up, works together, and refuses to stop until homelessness is solved.