SAN ANTONIO — Brian Johnson lived on the streets of San Antonio off and on for 10 years. He struggled with drug abuse, but Johnson’s journey took a fresh turn when he found refuge in a hotel-turned-homeless shelter.
“I’ve been here less than two months, man. I had nothing when I came here and today I’m moving into my apartment,” Johnson said. “Let me cut to the bottom line: This is the best program, period. From the staff to the rooms to the meals. And they treat you like humans.”
In October 2023, San Antonio City Council approved lease and operational agreements to expand low-barrier shelter services run by the nonprofit SAMMinistries.
The city paid $8.8 million to lease the 200-bed Holiday Inn, near SAPD headquarters, over two years. Meanwhile, SAMMinistries was granted $7.1 million to operate the hotel as a shelter.
Since opening last December, SAMMinistries has seen 253 people come through the low-barrier shelter. Of those, about 40% have exited the program and transitioned into permanent housing. In the last two months alone, 23 people have secured housing across the Alamo City.
“We can always do better. But 40% is above the national average,” said Nikisha Baker, president and CEO of SAMMinistries. “The national average is about 25%. We’ve seen our highest populations following the summer, following those December and January cold, cold weather days. We’re seeing tremendous movement in the continuum care as it relates to housing.”
SAMMinistries provides a variety of case management services for chronically homeless men and women, including employment assistance and connections to substance abuse relief.
“Ultimately, while providing shelter and dignity and passion is the primary objective, it is important that we continue to focus with the individuals that we’re serving on housing readiness and getting them stable, getting them access to the health care or mental health supports that they need,” Baker said.
As for Johnson, he’s thankful to pick up the keys to his new home. He’s also hopeful others struggling on the streets like he once did can receive the same quality of care at SAMMinistries.
“I'm grateful, man. If I can do it, anybody can," he said. "There’s some great people out there. They’re lost and they want help, but they just don’t know how to ask.”