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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.