Homelessness jumped 7.5% in Bexar County over the past year, according to newly collected data.
Even more worrying, this year’s increase follows a 6.9% rise over the previous year, meaning homelessness in San Antonio is up 14.4% over the past two years.
The total homeless population counted in Bexar County on a single night in January 2025, including both the sheltered and unsheltered population, was 3,372 — an increase of 217 over the previous year.
The data was recorded by the Point-in-Time Count, a one-night census undertaken every January by Close to Home and a coalition of homeless service organizations with the help of scores of volunteers.
In response to the rising numbers, Interim District 2 Councilman Leo Castillo-Anguiano this week filed a formal request that City Council look for ways to reduce barriers faced by people experiencing homeless as they try to find-long term housing and jobs.
The filing also asks council to analyze long-term outcomes as it works to address its growing homelessness problem.
Four other council members signed on to the document, called a council consideration request, or CCR. That means Castillo-Anguiano’s proposals can begin moving toward an eventual vote by the entire body.
“As someone who is deeply committed to supporting our houseless neighbors, I believe San Antonio’s response must be rooted in dignity, prevention and partnership,” Castillo-Anguiano said in a statement.
Castillo-Anguiano is filling the District 2 seat for Jalen McKee-Rodriguez while the latter is on paternity leave. Council unanimously voted Castillo-Anguiano into the position in July.
Castillo-Anguiano’s background is relevant to his CCR because he came to his current position while serving at Thrive Youth Center, a shelter for homeless LGBTQ+ youth that shares a portion of the Haven for Hope complex.
Castillo-Anguiano, the first trans man to serve on San Antonio City Council, is scheduled to return to his role as Thrive’s social media and marketing manager on Oct. 1, when McKee-Rodriguez gets back from paternity leave.
Anguiano-Castillo told the Current that McKee-Rodriguez will carry the CCR through the process once he returns so the city can expand resources for the homeless community.
“He’s very passionate about this issue just as I am,” Castillo-Anguiano told the Current via Messenger. “I’m sure the rest of the council will also follow.”
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