Take a moment and close your eyes. If you hear the words “homeless person,” what is the image that comes to mind?
Do you see a person on a street corner holding a sign seeking help and asking for money? Or did you picture a child? Perhaps even a family with young children?
Whatever came to mind, would it surprise you to learn that Haven for Hope is currently serving 135 families, including 288 children?
Homelessness does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone, regardless of upbringing and background. Homelessness is a nationwide issue that is increasing all the time, thanks to rising housing costs, a tight job market, and inflation.
On average, Haven serves 1,600 people daily. On any given day, we have more than 2,000 individuals on our 22-acre campus – making us larger than 50% of America’s small towns!
Haven for Hope is San Antonio’s largest shelter serving those experiencing homelessness, and we serve 85% of the homeless population here in the city.
We operate 24/7 and never turn a family away. Haven has been providing support to those in need since 2010, but we’re more than just a shelter. We’re committed to addressing with each client the root cause of their homelessness experience, and helping individuals connect with the resources necessary to transform their lives. Our campus is designed to assist those in need, providing a safe and supportive environment to help them get back on their feet. Through our comprehensive approach, we’ve been able to make a real difference in the lives of more than 44,000 people.
We take a person-centered approach with our clients and meet them exactly where they are. To help us develop individualized plans for all our clients, we work with more than 70 community partners and agencies. Connecting clients to these resources helps them take the first steps they need to begin transforming their lives. Twenty of these partners have an office space at Haven, which makes it convenient for our clients. They have access to many resources including mental health and substance use treatment; income and skills development services; dental, vision, and medical care; educational services; and housing assistance.
Haven is one campus with two options for enrollment: the Courtyard, and the Transformational Campus. Our Courtyard is a low-barrier shelter for clients aged 18 and older. Individuals experiencing homelessness face many barriers, and those who are chronically homeless are typically dealing with a mental health or substance use condition. They are not always ready to seek assistance. A low-barrier shelter gives them the opportunity to remain active in their addiction (though no drugs or alcohol are allowed on Haven property) but still have access to helpful resources; a safe, indoor place to sleep; three hot meals per day; and a secure place to store their belongings. Engaging in services is optional and the length of stay is not limited.
On Haven’s Transformational Campus, individuals and families agree to sobriety and are expected to be actively engaged in a housing and income plan. Clients have access to all of the same resources and services as in the Courtyard. Similarly, there is no limit on how long clients can stay enrolled on the Transformational Campus. The average length of stay for Haven clients is 121 days; in the Courtyard, it’s 48 days. Housing families can be much more of a challenge as their needs for space varies greatly.
Families staying at Haven receive assistance with keeping their children enrolled in school, often at the same schools they attended upon arrival at Haven. Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act, we work with independent school districts and charter schools to ensure students receive transportation to and from school, without other children knowing that the kids are staying at a shelter. Families also receive free childcare, which is provided by an onsite YMCA facility; as well as access to parenting classes, after-school activities, and summer camps for their children.
What about the results? What is Haven’s impact on the community?
Recently, the Kronkosky Foundation commissioned an economic impact assessment of Haven’s operations from 2007-2019. The assessment was completed by Dr. Steven Nivin, Associate Professor of Economics and Chair of the Economics Department at St. Mary’s University. One of the key takeaways from this study was that for every dollar spent on Haven operations, there is a $29 benefit in the community. Haven employs 300 staff members, but works with more than 70 community partners and hundreds of volunteers. In fact, from its inception in 2007 to 2019, Haven’s volunteers who provide their services and skills have supported our operations and clients to an estimated value of $3.4 million.
How can you help? Can you and your family make an impact on Haven?
We have a lot of opportunities for people just like you to get involved! From sorting donations to landscaping; painting to handing out popsicles to clients; you name it, and we’ll find a place for you or a group of volunteers. We do have an application process, and require a background check for all volunteers.
Haven is also very grateful for the community’s financial support. 60% of all we receive comes from public or government funding, but the other 40% is made up of private contributions, grants, and corporate giving. From monthly recurring donations to one-time contributions, we are always appreciative of the community’s continued trust in our organization.
Many of Haven’s clients arrive with very little, sometimes just the clothes on their backs and pennies in their pockets. Haven operates a “closet” for clients which contains clothes, shoes, and outerwear. Clients receive a clothing voucher once a month to pick out clothing that matches their size and style. It’s just another way that we aim to treat our clients with dignity and respect. Having the opportunity to pick out items as if they were in a retail store provides some degree of normalcy in their lives. All items are given to Haven’s clients FREE of charge. The community can help us keep it stocked by donating their clothing and gently-used shoes, Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. We have a drive-up donation drop-off area at 1 Haven for Hope Way, San Antonio, 78207.
We also encourage members of the community to come and take a tour of Haven for Hope. Remarks we hear from tour participants on a regular basis are, “I had no idea all of this was here, and no idea that the need was so great in our community.”
