NB Housing Partners collaborates with the Comal County Homeless Coalition (CCHC), which has managed a Point In Time (PIT) count that measures changes in volume and circumstances of homelessness in our community since 2009. Homelessness is rising.
according to both a 2018 and 2021 Workforce Housing Study commissioned by the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce. These renters are paying up to 30% of their income to housing costs.
Over 29% are severely cost burdened, paying at least 50% of their income to housing costs.
The community’s growth, coupled with a lack of growth in affordable housing, has driven a sharp increase in rents, leaving households at up to 80% AMI burdened by the cost of housing. A city workforce housing committee reports there are less than 900 affordable units on the market to serve over 8,500 struggling households, only 10% of what is needed.
The average market value housing rental price is $1,500-$1,900 per month. To qualify for the community’s average housing costs, an individual or household must earn at least $55,000-$75,000 per year. Workers earning the state’s minimum wage would require a 200% increase in pay to afford basic housing in New Braunfels.
This is more than our first two years combined (455).
72% of these individuals have lived in New Braunfels for an average of 10 years and a median of 3 years. Thus, most ARE FROM HERE.
The New Braunfels community 2024 Point In Time count also revealed a 300% increase in the number of unsheltered individuals surveyed.
These numbers have increased gradually every year since the Point In Time count began in 2010. However, the numbers have increased significantly every year since 2020.
This cost is significantly less than an average night in jail ($100-$150), and average hospital room visit without insurance ($1,500-$3,000) or inpatient stay ($3,060 per day), or an average psychiatric hospitalization or detox ($740-$2,000 per day plus fees).
Homelessness creates or exacerbates health problems, substance addictions, and mental illness; it increases exposure to physical violence, police involvement, and the need for emergency care services, straining community resources.
A 2012 HUD report estimated community costs of $40,000 a year for a homeless person to live on the streets, when considering uncompensated medical emergency healthcare, hospital stays, police enforcement of codes/laws, and county jail time.
According to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, “People who are homeless have higher rates of illness and die on average 12 years sooner than the general U.S. population.”
Expanding affordable housing options and increasing comprehensive care is vital, requiring both a healing and a housing focus, to resolve the emotional and physical cost of homelessness for both consumers and our community.
It will take our entire community to make a difference. That starts with you.
