The Heart of Our Work

Matthew 10:29-31 (NIV)
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

Did you Know?

Homelessness in Central Texas:
- According to the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) 2023 report, there were over 2,500 individuals experiencing homelessness in Central Texas, with many living in unsheltered conditions. This number includes families, individuals, and veterans, with women and children making up a significant portion.
- The San Antonio Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which is part of Central Texas, saw a 21% increase in homelessness from 2020 to 2022, indicating growing demand for shelter services in the region.
Shelter Bed Capacity:
- In Bexar County, the largest urban center in Central Texas, shelter capacity has often been stretched thin. For example, the San Antonio Coalition for the Homeless reports a total of approximately 1,500 emergency shelter beds, but these beds are frequently at or near full capacity, especially in winter months or during times of economic stress.
- Shelters are often operating with limited space and resources, leading to longer waitlists and increased difficulty for families to access the help they need.
Family Shelters and Services:
- The demand for family shelters is particularly high. While there are some specialized shelters and programs for women and children, these services often have limited bed space. In Bexar County, family shelter beds are consistently under strain, with many shelters having waitlists of several weeks.
- According to the San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA), many families in crisis face barriers to shelter due to limited availability of affordable housing and temporary accommodations.

Why Elevating Shelter Capacity is Important:

Addressing Rising Homelessness:
- Increased demand for shelter services is directly linked to rising homelessness rates, fueled by factors such as poverty, mental health issues, domestic violence, and the rising cost of housing. Elevating shelter capacity can directly address this demand, offering more immediate and safe places for families to live while they rebuild their lives.
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty:
- Providing stable, temporary shelter is a critical first step in helping families break the cycle of poverty. Without adequate shelter, individuals cannot access the resources necessary to gain employment, pursue education, or develop the skills needed for self-sufficiency. Expanding shelter capacity means more families can receive the help they need to transition to permanent housing and long-term stability.
Improved Mental and Physical Health:
- Lack of safe and stable housing can exacerbate mental health issues, increase exposure to trauma, and negatively impact physical health. Adequate shelter capacity allows families to regain stability, which in turn improves their overall well-being. Ensuring more beds are available can reduce the strain on emergency services like hospitals, which often bear the brunt of housing instability.
Emergency Response and Safety:
- In times of crisis—whether due to natural disasters, economic downturns, or public health emergencies—families who are already vulnerable are disproportionately affected. Elevating shelter capacity ensures that there are more places for families to go in times of emergency, providing a safe haven and preventing them from becoming part of the unsheltered population.
Promoting Long-Term Solutions:
- Increasing shelter capacity doesn't just mean more immediate beds; it also provides more opportunities to offer supportive services, including life skills training, career placement, mental health services, and financial assistance. With additional shelter space, organizations like Sparrow’s Nest TX can better support families in their journey from crisis to independence, leading to sustainable outcomes.
Community and Economic Stability:
- A robust shelter system benefits not only the individuals who directly use it but also the broader community. When families are given the opportunity to regain stability and self-sufficiency, it strengthens the social fabric and creates a more resilient, thriving community. Additionally, individuals who transition from shelter to employment and housing contribute to the local economy, which in turn promotes regional prosperity.