Homelessness Decreases, But Homeless Families Rise

The homeless population in Bexar County decreased by 6% year over year, with 2,892 counted as homeless, according to data released by the San Antonio Regional Alliance for the Homeless (SARAH). However, the same report indicated that the number of homeless families was 274 families, an 18% increase from the 232 reported in 2018, the report noted.

The numbers were collected on Jan. 24, 2019, and focused on homeless people who are living on the city’s streets or in shelters. The numbers compiled provide a baseline for cities and agencies to obtain grant funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

SARAH director Brenda Mascorro told Rivard Report that domestic violence, combined with a lack of affordable housing, are the culprits of the number of homeless families. “Because of this, families will be our major population focus in 2019,” she said.

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