SAN ANTONIO — SAMMinistries is reporting an alarming rise in deaths among Bexar County’s most vulnerable residents. 322 people experiencing homelessness lost their lives this year, according to the nonprofit. That’s nearly double the number of deaths last year, and more than four times the number of deaths in 2021.
The victims range from a 94-year-old to an 11-day-old infant, officials say.
On Thursday, a memorial service in Milam Park honored those who died.
“They were mothers, fathers, children, brothers, sisters,” said Nikisha Baker, the CEO of SAMMinistries. “They deserve the dignity and compassion of this ceremony.”
Outreach workers read the names of each person, while 322 shoes decorating the grass represented those who took their last steps in 2023.
“It’s really startling,” said Baker. “We lost an 11-day-old baby. His mother was a victim of a car accident. So, his mother ran into the street and was hit by a car as a pedestrian … and did not walk away.”
SAMMinistries has been tracking the deaths of unhoused people for decades.
“There is a myriad of factors that go into why we have seen such a significant increase,” said Baker. “But one of the most important factors I think is that we as a community are collaborating better. So, when folks pass away, we know who they are.”
Haven for Hope has also seen the largest increase in families and seniors seeking services.
“We served about 9,500 clients,” said Terri Behling with Haven for Hope. “When the eviction moratorium ended, people who were maybe hanging on couldn’t pay the bills anymore.”
It’s a complex problem, but advocates say everyone can be the light.
“Offer yourself up as a face of hope,” said Baker. “If you are inclined to give to nonprofits, please do so. Rather than giving to the folks who are on the streets, if you invest those dollars into local nonprofits, we will deliver a significantly impactful outcome. We also thrive on volunteers. All of those things make a difference.”