Haven for Hope
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Land Size: 22 acres
Year Developed: 2006
Haven for Hope is a 22-acre multifunctional campus providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and a comprehensive range of services. Located west of downtown San Antonio, the campus encompasses over 440,000 square feet of built space dedicated to service delivery and residential accommodations.
The campus was developed on a blighted industrial site characterized by abandoned warehouses, poor pedestrian access, and proximity to high-crime areas. The site’s underutilized state, combined with its proximity to the city center, made it well-suited for a purpose-driven redevelopment focused on addressing homelessness
through a centralized model.
Site and Service Overview
The Haven for Hope campus integrates 15 buildings and expansive outdoor service areas to create a secure, community-focused environment. Design efforts preserved the site’s industrial character while introducing modern, trauma-informed spaces organized around a central green space. Facilities are intentionally placed to balance client privacy, security, and connectivity to services.
The campus is strategically located near major hospitals, detox centers, civic facilities, and a central public transportation hub, ensuring seamless access for clients and providers. Key services include emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing, healthcare (including medical, dental, and behavioral services), education and employment support, childcare services, veteran outreach, and jail diversion programs.
Image courtesy of Haven for Hope
Images courtesy of Great Nonprofits
The Coloradoan
Facilities Snapshot:
- Intake and Welcome Center: Primary entry point for client assessment and orientation.
- South Campus Courtyard: Low-barrier shelter providing emergency sleeping and basic services.
- North Campus Transformational Center: Structured residential and service programs.
- Residential Dormitories: Separate housing for men, women, and families.
- Partner Service Buildings: On-site offices for healthcare, legal services, and job readiness programs.
- Medical and Dental Clinics: Full-spectrum health services provided on-campus through partner organizations.
- Dining Facilities, Children’s Learning Center, Chapel, and Pet Care Services: Supporting holistic client needs.
Outcomes and Impacts
Since opening, Haven for Hope has become a national model for comprehensive homelessness services. The campus recorded an 80% reduction in downtown unsheltered homelessness within two years and continues to expand its reach through partnerships with over 78 organizations. Ongoing investments in capital improvements and service innovation position Haven for Hope as a scalable, replicable model for holistic, campus based approaches to homelessness.
Development Timeline
PHASE 1
2006–2007
Conception and national research into best practices.
PHASE 2
2007–2008
Planning, establishment of a nonprofit entity, and site acquisition.
PHASE 3
2008–2010
Design and construction of the campus, including renovation of nine existing structures and construction of six new buildings.
PHASE 4
2010–2012
Campus opening and early impact, including an 80% reduction in unsheltered homelessness downtown within two years.
PHASE 5
2013–Present
Ongoing campus expansion, technology upgrades, and pilot programs extending services to nearby communities.