Housing is something many of us take for granted. Oftentimes, we find it easy to nitpick things we have, either because we want something to complain about or because of an inner belief that improvements can be made. Housing is a great example of this. Whether it is something as miniscule as a mismatched paint job or the feeling of a draft slinking in in an otherwise tight structure, housing is something that we will always find something wrong with. However there exists a significant portion of the population who don't have housing to even complain about. They are exposed to the elements, at the mercy of the heat waves or the freezing nights that characterize the seasons. And while this in itself is depressing, what makes this crisis much scarier is the fact that many people do not recognize that those suffering and homeless people can very easily be them.
Financial crisis, structural issues, and infestations can all forcibly and quickly replace the roof over your head with the bare open sky. Thankfully for you, that fear may only exist for a short period. Others do not have that luxury, and are forced to spend their lives on the streets. Not having a place to call home is detrimental from the very start. Depression and panic sets in incredibly fast, and evolves rapidly into hopelessness and anger. Once this cycle hits, it is very hard to break out. Employers are less likely to hire you, friends may ostracize you, and soon the feeling of loneliness sets in the bones the very same way heat from a home used to until all that's left is what you can carry on your back and protect with what little strength you have.
The role of housing services in city governments seeks to help, and through their efforts more and more people can escape the using the streets as a nightlight. Bexar County, Texas is seeking bids from qualified vendors to provide transitional, recovery, or emergency housing for justice-involved men and women. So often we dismiss homelessness as their fault, when in reality it can be anyone for any reason, and more than likely it is someone who gave their life for this country. If interested in this opportunity to help homeless people in Bexar County, click on the link to learn more. The bid closes December 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM CT.