BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – A grant agreement partnership between Bexar County and Haven for Hope is expected to utilize funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to address “critical infrastructure” needs at the facility, according to a county news release.
Under the agreement, Bexar County will allocate $890,000 in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to support repairs at the center.
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Founded in June 2010, Haven for Hope is a direct response to efforts around curbing homelessness in San Antonio.
The funding was sourced through ARPA, a federal program designed to support local governments and communities recovering from the economic and public health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Bexar County’s support is critical in enabling us to provide low-barrier shelter and essential, life-changing services for our community’s most vulnerable,” said Kim Jefferies, President and CEO of Haven for Hope.
Funding will be used for repairs and upgrades to ensure the facility can maintain safe operations, the release said.
Bexar County commissioners approved the funding allocation during a meeting on Tuesday.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Justin Rodriguez, whose precinct the facility is located in, expressed his approval after the court approved the agreement.
“By ensuring that the facility remains safe and fully operational, we’re helping to provide a pathway to stability and recovery for those who need it most,” Rodriguez said in the news release. “This investment is about strengthening our community and ensuring everyone has access to critical services that offer hope and opportunity.”
During the meeting, Rodriguez recognized the passing of former Haven for Hope Board Secretary Mary Rose Brown as an impetus for the agreement.
“Earlier this year, we lost Mary Rose Brown, who was a significant proponent for Haven for Hope,” he said. “I know those of us who were here during the ARPA process ... if we didn’t hear from her once or twice a week, advocating for the needs of Haven for Hope, this would not have happened.”
Nicole Galindo, a spokesperson for Bexar County Economic & Community Development, sent the following to statement to KSAT on Wednesday afternoon:
“The structural engineer identified multiple issues with the building’s subgrade slope, drainage, and soil conditions, which are compromising its foundation. The slope and drainage pipes are improperly configured, preventing water from reaching the sump pump and causing accumulation under the building, threatening the foundation’s stability. The stagnant water beneath the slab is saturating the soil, leading to observable structural distress. To resolve these issues, the proposed solutions include installing an additional sump pump, structural piers for support, carbon fiber reinforcement for distressed areas, and a separation joint between slabs to allow for movement and prevent future damage.”