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McKenna Foundation invests over $1 million in first half of 2025

In the first half of 2025, the McKenna Foundation has committed over $1 million to advancing key initiatives that address crucial gaps in Comal County’s social infrastructure.

With a strategic focus on housing, behavioral health, and early childhood development, the Foundation is prioritizing areas of need to turn the community’s answer from “no, we can’t,” into “yes, we can.”

One significant investment this year was a $500,000 grant to NB Housing Partners for the expansion of its First Footing facility. This funding will help increase bed capacity by over 48%, ensuring more of our neighbors experiencing homelessness have access to safe shelter.

The expansion also increases housing-focused services and dedicates space for both physical and mental health care.

“This project is a turning point for our community,” said NB Housing Partners Executive Director Kellie Stallings. “In the last year, the waiting list for shelter has doubled, and this expansion will help improve our community’s responsiveness to address housing crises. Construction is already underway, and more beds will be ready to address community needs close to the end of 2025. Case management and indoor dining space will be added later in 2026.”

The Foundation has also approved more than $480,000 in grants to local organizations working to improve access to affordable and high-quality behavioral and mental health services.

The New Braunfels Youth Collaborative received $225,000 to launch a youth wellness program that will provide low-barrier mental health resources to youth aged 11-18. New Braunfels Christian Ministries’ Volunteers in Medicine was awarded $50,000 to introduce on-site counseling services, equipping patients with the tools to improve their behavioral health.

Receiving over $208,000 in funding, Connections Individual and Family Services also plans to expand its Community Counseling program, offering low-cost services to young adults, parents, and other underserved populations.

Also recognizing the foundational role of early childhood development in the health and economic growth of our community, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees has committed $100,000 annually for three years to support the Early Matters New Braunfels initiative. This funding will help fund the leadership of the program, expand its resources, and raise awareness about the importance of high-quality and accessible childcare.

With over $1 million committed to local nonprofits so far in 2025 alone, the McKenna Foundation has invested more than $31 million in projects and programs that enhance the health and well-being of New Braunfels and Comal County over the last 16 years. As the year progresses, the Foundation looks forward to continuing its legacy and strategically investing in our community.

To learn more about the Foundation’s community investment framework and work plans, please visit the McKenna Foundation website at www.mckenna.org. Follow McKenna on Instagram @mckennafoundation.

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Apple Seeds Apartments: Transformational housing coming to New Braunfels

As housing costs soar across Central Texas, the New Braunfels Food Bank and community organizations are making strides in an unprecedented initiative to address the region’s affordable housing crisis: The Apple Seeds Apartments.

Despite facing unforeseen challenges and delays, the $12 million project, which broke ground in June 2021, is back on track and under construction. This groundbreaking 52-unit transformational housing complex, among the first food bank-led initiatives of its kind in the nation, is spearheaded by the San Antonio and New Braunfels Food Banks, the McKenna Foundation, and NB Housing Partners.

Solidifying their commitment and support, the McKenna Foundation presented a $750,000 check to the New Braunfels Food Bank in early March 2025.

“We are honored to be a part of this project,” said McKenna CEO Alice Jewell. “Many of our neighbors are struggling daily, particularly with being able to afford a place to call home. It has been a long road to get to this point in the project, but we are committed to seeing this life-changing initiative through.”

Eric Cooper, President and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank, added that the project will set the standard for the nation.

“The families who reside in the Apple Seeds Apartments will benefit from below-market rent, alleviating financial hardships in an area where housing prices have skyrocketed. This program will help families build financial stability and thrive in this community,” Cooper said. “If we’re part of a resident’s journey to take them to a permanent housing situation or better living conditions, that’s success to me.”

Monica Borrego Jones, Executive Director of the New Braunfels Food Bank, also emphasized the urgent need.

“Fast growth and rising costs in Comal County have made it extremely difficult for community members to live and work locally. This development, alongside the comprehensive programs it offers, marks a critical step in addressing those challenges,” she said.

The Apple Seeds Apartments will cater to families with children under the age of 15 and households earning 80% or less of the area’s median income (AMI). It will not only offer affordable housing, but will incorporate food access, nutrition education, children’s programs, financial literacy, and community engagement opportunities.

Through the innovative project, the coalition of partners aims to address both immediate needs and foster long-term stability for our neighbors.

With construction underway, the San Antonio and New Braunfels Food Banks, the McKenna Foundation, and all other partners are excited to be welcoming residents soon.

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Comal Cares: Connecting residents with local resources

The McKenna Foundation is excited to introduce a significant addition to the New Braunfels and Comal County community: Comal Cares (comalcares.org).

The innovative online directory is designed to enhance the lives of our neighbors by connecting them with local resources and organizations that can assist them quickly and seamlessly.

Whether you are seeking assistance or helping someone who is, the free and user-friendly site provides a growing list of over 600 local programs to help you find the support you need.

The invaluable tool is a collaborative effort between the McKenna Foundation, TIPHER, and the San Antonio Community Resource Directory (SACRD), along with various community groups, nonprofits, and businesses dedicated to making supportive services easier to find and access.

“Comal Cares is the result of several months of development and the collaborative efforts of the McKenna Foundation, TIPHER, SACRD, and our dedicated community partners,” said McKenna CEO Alice Jewell. “It is not just a directory; it is a resource designed to foster a community of support and compassion. With this tool, we can build a stronger and more connected community, ensuring that everyone in New Braunfels and Comal County has access to the assistance they need.”

The comprehensive platform is essential not only for the general public but it also revolutionizes the numerous resource directories used by local organizations.

“Comal Cares is an invaluable resource for my work. I use this site weekly as I work with many individuals and families in the community. I have told so many people about the site and encourage them to check it regularly since it is constantly being updated. No more multiple resource lists on my desk that I was constantly having to update. This site is all I need!” said Holley Digby, Director of Mental Health and Wellness for Communities in Schools of South Central Texas.

Ashley Cammack, Mobile Integrated Health Specialist for New Braunfels Fire Department, also emphasized the significance of Comal Cares for the community.

“The user-friendly access to local resources with up-to-date information is incredible,” she said. “We run into patients who just aren’t familiar with the resources available to them. Once the need is identified, firefighters can also utilize the ‘share” button to text resource information to their patients, so that it is even more readily available to them. As a department, we are looking into ways to integrate Comal Cares into a QR code available on each of our ambulances.”

With over 600 programs available in the greater Comal County area, Comal Cares also features three specialized portals to help you find exactly what you need.

“The Housing Services, Mental Healthcare, and Love Should Not Hurt portals are designed to guide you to the right service or program, making your search more efficient and straightforward,” said Albert Ruiz of TIPHER.

Check out Comal Cares by visiting comalcares.org. 

Need help navigating the site? Please click here.

You can also contact cares@mckenna.org for additional help.

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NB Housing Partners presents Americans With No Address

Addressing one of the most critical crises in Comal County and the nation, NB Housing Partners is excited to invite the public to an exclusive screening of excerpts from the documentary Americans With No Address at the Brauntex Theatre on Tuesday, March 11 at 6:00 pm.

To reserve your free seat, please click here.

Americans With No Address is a powerful documentary that delves into the reality of homelessness in the United States. Produced by Robert Craig Films, the same team behind the feature film No Address, this documentary aims to offer a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those without stable housing. It takes viewers on a journey across the country, highlighting untold stories of those living without a permanent address while exploring potential solutions to the pressing issue.

Over the three-week journey spanning 20 cities, the documentary team interviewed over 175 individuals, including those experiencing homelessness, community members, government officials, and law enforcement. Through these diverse perspectives, the film seeks to answer critical questions: Why is homelessness happening? What are different cities doing about it? What is working and what is not?

“This film offers the public a unique opportunity to gain insight into the lives of individuals facing homelessness. It showcases effective strategies for addressing this issue, highlights local collaborative efforts, and raises awareness about this growing problem,” said Kellie Stallings, Executive Director of NB Housing Partners. “We have worked diligently to develop and maintain strong partnerships with community resources to combat housing insecurity and homelessness in our area. So, we are excited to offer this event to the public to shed light on not only the crisis and our efforts but also what steps we can take to address it further.”

Locally, NB Housing Partners’ First Footing program is at the forefront of combating the effects of chronic homelessness in our community. The root factors of homelessness are both community-related and individually-focused. Our community has addressed homelessness for over 20 years as collaborative partners, yet more work is needed.

Recent data from the annual Point in Time count, which surveys those experiencing homelessness, revealed an alarming trend that underscores the need for comprehensive and sustained efforts. Between 2023 and 2024, Comal County witnessed a 64% increase in homelessness and a tripling of unsheltered individuals.

With their 42-bed shelter continuously at capacity and with a waitlist as many as 99 people in 2024, NB Housing Partners hopes this free screening and discussion of Americans With No Address will raise awareness, foster empathy, and inspire action throughout the greater New Braunfels area.

During the event, there will be a community discussion between film excerpts to delve deeper into the challenges of life without a physical address, discuss local impacts, and explore potential solutions.

Guest speakers will include representatives from Hill Country MHDD, Acacia Medical Mission, Crisis Center of Comal County, law enforcement, Connections Individual and Family Services, the church community, and Salvation Army of New Braunfels

Please join us at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, March 11 at the Brauntex Theatre. Together, we will explore the reality of homelessness through hope, resilience, and humanity. To reserve your free seat, visit the Brauntex Theatre website.

Click here if you would like to donate in-kind items to support NB Housing Partners’ First Footing Shelter.

To learn more about Americans With No Address, visit www.americanswithnoaddress.com.

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New Braunfels proclaims National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

The City of New Braunfels has declared November 17 through November 23, 2024, as National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week to raise awareness of food insecurity and homelessness in our community.

On Monday, November 18, representatives from NB Housing Partners, Crisis Center of Comal County, Salvation Army, Comal Mental Health, and the New Braunfels Food Bank accepted the proclamation.

“We are honored to accept this proclamation for recognition of National Hunger and Homelessness Week,” said NB Housing Partners executive director Kellie Stallings. “Last year, our First Footing Program had over 527 people ask for help, so I am happy that the city recognizes that homelessness and food insecurity affect so many in our community. No one agency or entity can solve food or housing insecurity, which continue to grow as our community grows. The City of New Braunfels, Comal County, and our non-profit agencies must work together to effectively address these social issues.”

In recent years, the annual Point in Time count, which surveys those experiencing homelessness, has revealed alarming trends. Homelessness doubled from 2020 to 2022, increased by 10% in 2023, and surged by 64% in 2024. Last year, the number of unsheltered individuals tripled compared to 2023.

According to the proclamation, “a minimum of 600 will face the devastating challenges of homelessness this year.”

Often intertwined with homelessness, the proclamation also brings awareness to hunger in our community, noting that an estimated 18,000 people experience food insecurity annually.

In 2023, the New Braunfels Food Bank alone distributed over 2.8 million pounds of food to local hungry individuals and families. Additionally, 62% of the food-insecure population in Comal County is above the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) threshold, according to Feeding America. For a family of four, this would mean earning more than $4,125 a month.

The proclamation serves as a call to action for the community to raise awareness, support programs, and advocate for policies to reduce and prevent hunger and homelessness.

“I encourage all residents, businesses, and organizations to recognize the challenges faced by those experiencing hunger and homelessness, support efforts to end food insecurity and homelessness, and create a future where everyone has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing,” the proclamation read.

If you or someone you know are experiencing homelessness or hunger, please contact one of the following local organizations that are here to support our community: NB Housing Partners, Crisis Center of Comal County, Salvation Army, Comal Mental Health, the New Braunfels Food Bank, SOS Food Bank, CRRC, Family Promise of Greater New Braunfels, and Connections Individual and Family Services.

As the holidays approach, please consider donating or volunteering your time with these vital nonprofit organizations.

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Mckenna Foundation awards rural partners in first grants of 2024

The McKenna Foundation’s Board of Trustees has approved $130,000 of grant funding for rural community support to four partner organizations.

In the first grantmaking session of the year, trustees voted to distribute a total of $575,000 in funding to 12 nonprofit organizations. A portion of this funding, amounting to $130,000, will be allocated specifically to assist rural partners.

The Community Resource and Recreation Center (CCRC) of Canyon Lake is set to receive $65,000. CCRC offers a range of life-enhancing opportunities, support, and social services to the broader Canyon Lake community. With a 48% increase in visitation and over $700,000 worth of food supplies distributed in 2023 alone, the funding is expected to provide rural community support and address the pressing challenges faced by local residents.

The Foundation also approved a $10,000 grant for Bulverde-area food pantry, Provisions Outreach. Provisions reports that since the start of the year, their pantry has served up to 80 clients a day. The client-choice pantry will utilize the funds to purchase essential food and supplies needed in their community and plan to distribute 32,000 pounds of food each month.

Helping Hands Food Pantry was approved for a $40,000 grant by the McKenna Board. Serving the greater Spring Branch area, Helping Hands assists over 4,000 family members in Northwest Comal County annually and anticipates providing an average of 10,000 pounds of food each month. Half of the grant is allocated for pantry operations, while the remaining $20,000 will finance a box truck crucial for weekly food collections.

Also serving the Spring Branch area, the Hope Center was approved for a $15,000 grant towards their Feed My Sheep initiative. The Hope Center has seen a 93% increase in service demand in the first three months of 2024 compared to the previous year. They provide for an underserved population in far Western Comal County seeing on average over 9,000 clients each year and plan to distribute over 100,000 pounds of food this year. The awarded $15,000 will be used to enhance the variety and nutritional value of food provided and will support spiritual nourishment in collaboration with local faith communities.

These McKenna Foundation partners are dedicated to providing beneficial services to our rural neighbors and continue to grow and collaborate as the needs of our community increase.

The approved grants fall under the McKenna Foundation’s Basic Needs Portfolio, which is designed to fund nonprofit organizations that provide accessible resources for food assistance, housing, financial assistance, workforce and employability, and transportation.

The application window for portfolios Health and Education is now open, with applications due by July 8. The Family Relationships application window will open on Aug. 12.

The Foundation accepts applications from verified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Comal County residents. New and returning applicants are welcome to apply. For more information please contact us at 830-606-9500, email grants@mckenna.org, or visit our apply for a grant page.

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NB Housing Partners seeking professional design services

NB Housing Partners advocates for and provides supportive housing in the New Braunfels area for people experiencing housing instability. The organization acts as a catalyst to create sustainable solutions across the affordable housing spectrum. NB Housing Partners requests the submission of qualifications statements, which will lead to the possible award of a contract to provide professional design services for a project involving the 1465 Churchill Project as a multifamily or dense single family development. 

Download PDF here.

Scope of Work:

The services to be obtained for the design professional require: Planning, coordination, design and construction administration for the project at 1465 Churchill Drive. 

Guidelines for Content of Qualification Statements: 

Detailed instructions on preparation of the qualification statement must be obtained from the agency. For more information on preparing and submitting the qualification statement, contact Kellie Stallings, Executive Director, at kellie@nbhousingpartners.org. This information should be requested as soon as possible in order to allow time to prepare the document and comply with the procedures. 

Submittal Deadline: 

Three copies and one PDF copy on flashdrive of the qualifications statement must be filed with the agency by: July 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Late submittals and electronic submittals will not be accepted. 

Minimum Qualifications and Selection Criteria: 

The Agency will evaluate the proposals to determine which firm has the best qualifications and offers the best value to complete our project. 

Contract Terms and Negotiation Schedule: 

The consultant is expected to negotiate an agreement for services that is acceptable to the Agency. If an acceptable contract cannot be negotiated, the District may formally end negotiations and begin negotiating with the next highest qualified person or firm. RFQ’s are issued in accordance with Section 2254 of the Texas Government Code (Professional Services Act). 

NB Housing Partners is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap or national origin. Small, minority, and women-owned business enterprises are encouraged to submit proposals.

Download PDF here.

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AP: A record number of Americans can’t afford their rent. Lawmakers are scrambling to help

February 7, 2024

The latest data from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, released in January, found that a record high 22.4 million renter households — or half of renters nationwide — were spending more than 30% of their income on rent in 2022. The number of affordable units — with rents under $600 — also dropped to 7.2 million that year, 2.1 million fewer than a decade earlier.

Read more here.