THE FIRST STEP TO SOLVING
HOMELESSNESS IS
OFFERING PEOPLE IN NEED A
SAFE PLACE TO STAY.

At First Footing, most of the people in theprogram are longtime residents of New Braunfels who have lived in the community for 10 years or more and are experiencing homelessness. They need a place to stay, but they also need more.

The First Footing program goes beyond providing shelter- the program provides help with each person’s desired housing goals, healing to address root factors that threaten these goals, and, most importantly, hope for a brighter future. Targeted case management, guidance in budgeting and financial management, life skills training, assistance with gaining and maintaining employment, and linkages and financial support addressing medical, dental, or behavioral health issues that threaten their desired future state provide holistic care for addressing the complex issue of homelessness. The program also offers inclement weather shelter to protect the safety of unhoused adults who seek shelter during extreme weather but have not yet committed to entering the program and taking steps toward housing.

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Over time, such experiences can be traumatic, leading individuals to mistrust others, use substances in an attempt to cope with their circumstances, engage in risky survival behaviors, and to feel helpless and hopeless that regaining housing is even possible.

We partner with other local agencies, such as Acacia Medical Mission (providing medical care) and Hill Country MHDD (providing behavioral healthcare) to identify and track encampments and reach out to unhoused individuals, offering healthcare, shelter, and pathways to employment and housing. We also maintain consistent contact with unsheltered individuals who are resistant to services to build trust, improve their accessibility to services, and expedite movement toward housing.

The location is our vision for a supportive housing community where those in need can take the next steps toward independence in a safe, nurturing environment.

This supportive environment provides a second chance to overcome past circumstances which limit housing options. The program also provides interim housing and care for those waiting for long-term senior or subsidized housing.

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The Next Step program assists individuals exiting homelessness with housing searches, housing start-up costs, and rental and utility assistance. Follow-up case management and assistance with budgeting, financial planning, and behavioral healthcare needs help individuals and families achieve both a sense of wellbeing and long-term housing stability.

The Next Step project includes partner organizations the Crisis Center of Comal County and Hill Country MHDD, in addition to NB Housing Partners.

When someone first asks for help, we provide a safe and supportive intake process to learn more about their specific situation that led to their experience of homelessness. We help to address immediate needs, connecting them with family, support systems, or local community resources to avoid continued homelessness whenever possible. When this is not possible, we gather information which is maintained in a secure system that allows us to share with other potential community resources when permitted by the individual who is seeking help. We also help individuals navigate immediate and longer-term housing solutions and prioritize long-term housing opportunities based on the individual’s specific needs.

We partnered with the San Antonio Food Bank and other local agencies to help establish the New Braunfels Food Bank. Founded in 2010 by the San Antonio Food Bank as The Kitchen Table, the New Braunfels Food Bank is an expansion of this effort to more fully serve the Comal and surrounding counties. Our focus is for clients to have food for today but to also have the resources to be self-sufficient in the future.

Our partner, the New Braunfels Food Bank, will soon open a 52-unit housing community that provides a hand up with housing, food security, and support for struggling families that are within 80% of the Average Median Income.

NB Housing Partners works with the New Braunfels Food Bank, particularly on their job fairs, financial literacy support, and food for individuals who need help after attaining housing. The agency also provides referrals for individuals who lose their housing.