San Antonio City Council members are pushing for a comprehensive strategy to address homelessness, emphasizing the urgent need for more transitional housing options. During a special session on August 20, 2025, discussions highlighted the challenges faced by outreach workers who often encounter long waitlists for available shelter beds. One outreach worker noted a ten-person waitlist at Thrive, underscoring the critical shortage of transitional housing.

Council members are exploring the possibility of establishing a city-owned transitional living center as part of a broader, long-term strategy to tackle homelessness. This approach aims to create a continuum of care that includes emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing. The goal is to ensure that individuals exiting shelters have the necessary support and time to transition successfully into stable living situations.

The conversation also touched on the financial implications of current abatement efforts, with nearly $3 million allocated for abatement sweeps this year alone. Council members are keen to understand the full costs associated with these efforts, including indirect expenses related to police and fire involvement.

As the city grapples with these pressing issues, the call for a five-year plan to enhance housing capacity and support systems is gaining momentum. The council's commitment to addressing homelessness reflects a growing recognition of the need for sustainable solutions that prevent individuals from returning to the streets.