San Antonio’s homeless population is becoming increasingly burdened by mental‑health issues and chronic medical conditions, according to recent data presented by Close to Home, the Bexar County agency that coordinates regional homelessness efforts.
Sharp increases in health challenges
Since 2023, the agency reports a 29% rise in the number of homeless individuals reporting a mental‑health condition, a 22% increase in chronic illness, and a 7% growth in those citing at least one disabling condition. The figures are based on year‑by‑year snapshots of the homeless population across Bexar County.
Agency leaders outline the gaps
Close to Home President and CEO Katie Wilson said the county has made progress in reducing chronic homelessness, especially among people with disabilities who have been homeless for more than a year. However, she noted that “we struggle to help people access treatment beds and identify step‑down options after treatment.” Wilson emphasized that beyond providing a safe place to stay, the most critical services are those that connect individuals to ongoing health care, including behavioral health, substance‑use treatment, primary and specialty medical care, medication management, transportation to appointments, benefits enrollment, and navigation of a complex health‑care system.
Scale of need
In 2025, 13,740 people sought homelessness assistance across Bexar County. By comparison, the county’s emergency shelter served 7,186 individuals over the same period. While the two numbers are not directly comparable, Wilson said they together illustrate the significant volume of need the system must address.
Impact of recent psychiatric bed closures
San Antonio lost hundreds of psychiatric beds earlier this year when the Laurel Ridge Treatment Center closed. Wilson warned that the loss will likely create additional challenges for the city’s behavioral‑health system, further limiting options for those who need inpatient care.
Perspectives from the largest shelter
Rhonda Mundhenk, President and CEO of Haven for Hope – the city’s largest homeless shelter and services organization – said the data could reflect two trends: a sicker existing homeless population and newly homeless individuals entering the system with more severe health issues. She explained that untreated severe mental‑health conditions, such as schizophrenia, can lead to homelessness, while living on the streets can exacerbate or trigger new mental‑health problems, including depression, anxiety, hyper‑vigilance, and post‑traumatic stress disorder.
On the physical‑health side, Mundhenk noted that health systems are not designed to serve people without stable addresses, making it harder for those with chronic or disabling conditions to receive proper care. To address the intersection of health and homelessness, Haven for Hope plans to expand services on its campus over the next year.
Looking ahead
Both Wilson and Mundhenk agree that increasing the capacity of treatment beds is only part of the solution. “When someone remains outside, it does not necessarily mean they have refused help,” Wilson said. “Sometimes the right resource simply isn’t available when they need it.” The agencies are calling for broader community and governmental support to improve access to behavioral‑health and medical services, transportation, and benefits enrollment for the homeless population.
Local officials and service providers say the data underscores the need for coordinated effort among health‑care providers, faith‑based groups, families, and government agencies to ensure that San Antonio’s most vulnerable residents receive the care they need.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
