First Footing is our January Mission Spotlight. We will have the opportunity to contribute to this worthwhile organization that identifies and provides assistance to people in our community experiencing housing insecurity or are unhoused. There will be a dedicated collection on Sunday, January 26 and a temple talk from our own Kellie Stallings.

NB Housing Partners was formed in 2013 to address the need for safe, sustainable housing to fill gaps in housing in our community. Our community's rapid growth, particularly  over the last decade, has led to a large housing deficit of approximately 9,500 units for lower income levels. As a result, housing insecurity and homelessness has also grown in our community. To address this crucial need, the agency provides the following services:

 

Health and housing focused street outreach (in collaboration with other agencies and called the health outreach multi-disciplinary engagement or HOME Team) to reach unhoused individuals and connect them to community resources

 

Shelter and support services for up to 42 adults at a time who are experiencing homelessness and would like assistance establishing income and attaining housing (called the First Footing program). Services include basic needs, targeted case management focused on housing goals, job assistance, income benefit enrollment help, transportation, and linkages to behavioral healthcare and medical care, including assistance with medical costs. We plan to add another 20-26 beds by the end of 2025.

 

Housing assistance including housing start-up costs for those choosing to end their homelessness and linkages to help with housing costs for individuals or families that are at risk of losing their housing. We also oversee a community process that tracks individuals who are still in need of housing and prioritizes housing for individuals and families with the highest needs.

 

Starting in early 2025, we will offer short-term housing for up to 6 adults  whose income is below current market housing costs, giving them time to increase their income or gain admission into subsidized housing in the community.  

 

Longer-term housing. We designed a housing community to support families who are struggling with housing costs, which the New Braunfels Food Bank is now constructing and operating. We will be building additional housing for adults in the next 3-5 years.

 

In 2023, 572 individuals sought assistance in this community due to experiencing homelessness, a 20% increase from 2022 and more than the number sheltered in 2021 and 2022 combined.

 

We are committed to taking strategic steps to address both urgent housing crises as well as ensuring that long-term affordable housing options are available at every income

 

Thanks,

Karen