San Antonio‑area families are feeling the strain of soaring housing costs, according to the latest Point‑in‑Time Count released Wednesday by the nonprofit organization Close to Home. The count, part of a national effort to track the number of people living in shelters and on the streets, highlights a growing affordability gap in Bexar County.
Affordability gap deepens
Close to Home’s data shows that low‑income households in the county are spending roughly 30% of their earnings on rent or mortgage payments. While that figure meets the conventional benchmark for housing affordability, many families remain vulnerable because any unexpected expense can push them past the breaking point.
“Rising costs are going to push more people to homelessness,” said Katie Wilson, president and CEO of Close to Home. “If we don’t have the resources, the treatment, the affordable housing with support services, people who are outside, their condition worsens and it becomes harder to address.”
Demand outpaces resources
The report notes that demand for homelessness assistance continues to exceed the capacity of existing shelters and service programs. Close to Home coordinates local nonprofits that provide emergency shelter, case management, and other supports, but the organization says the gap between need and available resources is widening.
Families that are already spending a large share of their income on housing often have little left for utilities, food, health care, or transportation. When a job loss, medical emergency, or other crisis occurs, those households can quickly become homeless.
Five‑year strategic plan announced
In response to the findings, Close to Home is launching a five‑year strategic plan aimed at expanding affordable housing options and strengthening support services. The plan includes efforts to partner with local developers, increase funding for emergency shelters, and provide case‑management resources that help families transition to stable housing.
Local officials have been urged to consider policy measures that could alleviate the pressure on families, such as incentives for developers to build affordable units and revisions to zoning codes that allow higher‑density housing in appropriate neighborhoods.
What this means for families
For parents and caregivers in Bexar County, the report underscores the importance of budgeting carefully and seeking assistance early. Community organizations continue to offer counseling, rental assistance, and referrals to legal aid for tenants facing eviction.
Residents who notice neighbors struggling with housing costs are encouraged to support local charities, volunteer at shelters, or advocate for policies that protect affordable housing stock.
Looking ahead
The Close to Home count will be updated annually, providing a benchmark for how the county’s homelessness landscape evolves. Stakeholders hope that the new strategic plan, combined with community involvement and thoughtful policy, will stem the tide of families slipping into homelessness.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
