Bexar County has taken a definitive step to address homelessness with a $3.9 million backing for The Commons at Acequia Trails, a supportive housing project on San Antonio's south side. This funding pledge aims to partially fund the planned $43 million development designed to provide stable housing and services for nearly 200 homeless individuals. FOX San Antonio reported the Bexar County Commissioners Court had passed the measure unanimously, with two abstentions, reflecting a commitment to tackling some of the area's entrenched societal issues.
The project garnered support despite concerns raised around engagement and the nature of the housing proposed. Brady Alexander from the Hot Wells Mission Reach Neighborhood Association criticized the project, labeling it "segratory housing" and accusing local authorities of failing to reintegrate individuals back into the community. According to a KSAT report, Alexander argued that the project was just "kicking the can down the road and a permanent version of Haven for Hope," an existing local homeless assistance program.
Despite this resistance, SAMMinistries President & CEO Nikisha Baker defended the initiative, stating, "This investment provides a permanent solution for some of our community’s most vulnerable, and it will help save the lives of mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, seniors, veterans, and friends." She acknowledged the criticism of the organization's delay in engaging the community but insisted that their efforts since November have been "thoughtful and consistent," as reported by KSAT.
Commissioner Tommy Calvert, representing the area where the project is planned, sought to delay the vote over procedural concerns, although he did not manage to garner support from his peers. His attempts to extract commitments for market-rate development from Brooks President and CEO Leo Gomez also did not yield a concrete promise, with Gomez refusing to commit to a fixed percentage but assuring the development would follow the 'SA Tomorrow' plan, which includes mixed-income housing and retail. "Let me tell you, the better the mix, to be sure the better it’s going to be," Gomez told KSAT. Commissioner Grant Moody also abstained citing concerns about the terms of the funding, which the county staff indicated would be structured as a loan.
Nevertheless, the motion passed, and the project is poised to proceed, with County Judge Peter Sakai committed to revisiting the discussion in a future Commissioners Court meeting. The City of San Antonio has also pledged $11 million to the initiative, which enjoys the support of several layers of local government and stands as a significant push against homelessness in the region.
