Retired Parking Meters Help The Homeless Population In San Antonio, Texas

In August 2011, the city of San Antonio converted 25 decommissioned parking meters into coin donation stations. The south Texas city made this decision to raise awareness about the homeless population, while retooling the still-functioning city property.

Funds collected at the downtown donation stations will support the homeless programs and services at Haven for Hope, a homeless shelter that houses up to 2,500 people every night. According to some estimates, close to 4,500 people experience homelessness in San Antonio each night.

City leaders unveiled one of the new donation stations across from the historic Alamo, during a special ceremony in downtown San Antonio.

"This is an innovative way to reuse materials that still maintain functionality but have been replaced with technology,” said Paula Stallcup, director for the city's Downtown Operations department. “We hope the new donation stations will be a convenient way to help support homeless programs in San Antonio.”

In May 2011, the city replaced several of its traditional parking meters with 134 new solar-powered pay stations in the city's high-traffic areas. The new pay stations give motorists the convenience of using credit and debit cards, as well as coins, to pay for parking.

Several agencies participated in the initiative to convert the old meters into donation stations. The Downtown Operations Department, the San Antonio Convention and Visitor's Bureau, the Convention and Visitor's Commission, the San Antonio Tourism Council, the Downtown Alliance, Centro San Antonio, and Haven for Hope all had a part. Haven for Hope will monitor and collect donations.

Haven for Hope is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of homeless men, women, and children. It addresses the root causes of homelessness through education, job training, and behavioral health services.

Haven for Hope is the largest, most comprehensive transformation campus for American homeless today. Established in 2006, the shelter was built on the vision of business and civic leader Bill Greehey, with support from several municipal leaders.

The non-profit organization studied more than 200 homeless shelters and services in 12 states before building the San Antonio campus. It has 15 buildings on 37 acres, with two general areas. The Main Campus provides quarters for live-in residents, who work on a life plan dedicated to transformation and transition. The Prospects Courtyard provides safe, overnight outdoor lodging with meals, communal showers, and various human resources.

Haven for Hope takes a holistic approach to transformation, one that recognizes the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Both areas of the campus have a chapel, with opportunities for ministry and service across the spectrum of faith traditions.

Nearly 80 non-profits and government agencies partner with Haven for Hope to meet the needs of San Antonio's homeless population. The organization welcomes monetary donations and volunteer service. For details, call (210) 220-2190.

As many as 25,000 San Antonians experience homelessness each year. Nearly 25 percent are children under the age of 5. Family homelessness has increased nearly 16 percent since 2008.

Known as "Military City, USA" for its large military presence, San Antonio is home to many United States veterans. Homeless veterans make up 23 percent of the city's homeless population. Sixty percent of homeless San Antonians experience severe substance abuse or mental illness.

Haven for Hope is a safe haven for homeless men, women, and families. Space on the Main Campus is limited, and the family dorm typically has a waiting list. But Prospect Courtyard is an outdoor safe area with sleeping mats, meals, communal showers, and basic medical needs.

Intakes for the Haven for Hope main campus are done on a walk-in basis only. To speak with an intake specialist, call (210) 220-2350. For all other questions, call (210) 220-2100.

© Annette Smith. All rights reserved.

• City of San Antonio staff. (August 19, 2011) "Retired Downtown Parking Meters Converted Into Donation Stations To Support The City's Homeless Programs." City of San Antonio Communications Office. Retrieved August 27, 2011.
• Haven for Hope staff. (n.d.) "Facts About Haven for Hope and Homelessness." Haven For Hope: Transforming And Saving Lives. Retrieved August 27, 2011.
• Huddleston, Scott. (June 16, 2011) "Downtown Donation Stations Approved To Help Homeless." San Antonio Express-News: Retrieved August 27, 2011.
• NAEH staff. (n.d.) "Search: San Antonio." National Alliance To End Homelessness. Retrieved October 28, 2011.
• Sniderman, Zachary. (February 18, 2011) "New Website Guides You Through The Homeless Experience." Mashable: Retrieved August 27, 2011.
• Urban Ministries of Durham. (n.d.) SPENT Homeless Game. Urban Ministries of Durham. Retrieved August 27, 2011.

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