162. Close to Home on Why the City Struggles to Keep Up With Homelessness

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the state of homelessness in San Antonio—a topic that impacts every corner of the city and reflects larger challenges across Texas. Hosts Bob Rivard and Cory Ames are joined by Katie Wilson, president and CEO of Close to Home, the lead nonprofit coordinating citywide efforts to prevent and reduce homelessness.Wilson shares her local perspective and expertise, detailing how funding, collaboration, and long-term planning shape San Antonio’s approach. Together, they explore why homelessness is increasingly a “housing problem,” how the mismatch between wages and housing costs is pushing more families into crisis, and what solutions are working—or not—within the city’s network of nonprofit and government partners.Key topics include:San Antonio’s evolving ecosystem of homeless services and why collaboration mattersThe realities behind annual "point-in-time" counts and trends in local homelessnessChallenges facing chronic homelessness, mental health, and supportive housingImpacts of federal funding shifts and what they mean for permanent supportive housingThe ongoing effects of rising rents, stagnant wages, and local policy optionsEncampment management, shelter capacity, and barriers people face accessing servicesThe city’s strategic plans—from housing bonds to five-year visions for homelessness reductionListeners will gain a clearer understanding of what’s happening on the ground, the policy debates shaping our future, and where community action and investment can make a difference.RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶️ #145. Opportunity Home is Rebuilding Public Homes and Public Trust for its Centennial Vision – If you’re interested in San Antonio’s housing crisis and how public agencies tackle affordability and federal funding cuts, this episode is a must-listen. Host Bob Rivard sits down with Michael Reyes, CEO of Opportunity Home, to unpack the realities of public housing, deferred maintenance, and bold new strategies shaping the city’s future.-- --CONNECT📸 Connect on Instagram🔗 Join us on LinkedIn🎥 Subscribe on YouTubeSPONSORS🙌 Support the show & see our sponsorsTHANK YOU⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⭐ Rate us on Spotify