San Antonio, Texas, December 22, 2025
SAMMinistries held its annual Homeless Persons’ Memorial at Milam Park to honor 364 individuals who died while experiencing homelessness. The ceremony emphasized the community’s commitment to addressing homelessness, reflecting on a troubling rise in deaths, and highlighting the efforts of SAMMinistries in providing supportive housing and services. The memorial brought together over 200 attendees, coinciding with the winter solstice, as a reminder of the need for ongoing community support and solutions to tackle homelessness in San Antonio.
San Antonio, Texas – On December 21, 2025, SAMMinistries hosted its annual Homeless Persons’ Memorial at Milam Park, coinciding with the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. This powerful event brought together over 200 attendees to honor the lives of individuals who passed away while experiencing homelessness over the past year.
The gathering emphasized community resilience and compassion, as attendees reflected on the troubling reality of homelessness in San Antonio, a city known for its entrepreneurial spirit and strong community values. Events like the memorial serve as reminders that while local entrepreneurs continue to innovate and drive the economy, the challenges facing vulnerable populations must also be addressed.
Memorial Ceremony Details
During the ceremony, the names of 364 individuals who died while experiencing homelessness were read aloud, with each name followed by the lighting of a candle and the solemn tolling of a bell. This poignant ritual served as a stark reminder of the nearly one San Antonian who loses their life each day without a stable home. The community’s support during such tributes showcases their commitment to addressing this complex issue.
Rising Homelessness in San Antonio
The memorial highlighted a concerning rise in homeless deaths, showing a 13% increase compared to the previous year. This trend underlines the pressing need for comprehensive solutions regarding housing and support services. Individuals experiencing homelessness in San Antonio have an average lifespan of just 50 years, a statistic that reflects the serious health challenges and barriers they face. Addressing these challenges can foster a healthier, more stable community.
Community Response and Initiatives
SAMMinistries has been at the forefront of addressing homelessness in San Antonio. The organization provides a continuum of care that includes prevention services, shelter, street outreach, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, veterans housing, and permanent supportive housing. With 175 permanent supportive housing units already in operation and plans to add 60 more, SAMMinistries represents a proactive approach to mitigate homelessness in the area.
Additionally, the city has committed to investing $25 million in permanent supportive housing as part of the 2023 housing bond. This local investment is a crucial step in tackling homelessness and demonstrates the community’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for all its residents.
About SAMMinistries
SAMMinistries is an interfaith ministry dedicated to helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness in San Antonio. Their mission is to assist those at risk of becoming homeless in attaining self-sufficiency by offering shelter, housing, and services with dignity and compassion. The organization’s sustained efforts enable individuals to regain stability and improve their quality of life.
Key Features of the Memorial Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date and Location | December 21, 2025, at Milam Park, San Antonio, Texas |
| Number of Attendees | Over 200 people |
| Individuals Honored | 364 individuals who passed away while experiencing homelessness in the past year |
| Memorial Activities | Reading of names, lighting of candles, tolling of a bell |
| Average Lifespan of Homeless Individuals | 50 years old |
| Increase in Homeless Deaths | 13% increase compared to the previous year |
| City’s Investment in Housing | $25 million in permanent supportive housing as part of the 2023 housing bond |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Homeless Persons’ Memorial?
The Homeless Persons’ Memorial is an annual event hosted by SAMMinistries to honor individuals who have passed away while experiencing homelessness in the past year. The ceremony includes reading the names of the deceased, lighting candles, and tolling a bell.
When and where was the 2025 memorial held?
The 2025 memorial was held on December 21, 2025, at Milam Park in San Antonio, Texas, coinciding with the winter solstice.
How many individuals were honored at the 2025 memorial?
A total of 364 individuals who passed away while experiencing homelessness in the past year were honored at the 2025 memorial.
What is the average lifespan of individuals experiencing homelessness in San Antonio?
The average lifespan for individuals experiencing homelessness in San Antonio is just 50 years old, with both causes and consequences of homelessness contributing to poor physical and mental health.
What initiatives are being implemented to address homelessness in San Antonio?
Initiatives include providing a continuum of care such as prevention services, shelter, street outreach, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, veterans housing, and permanent supportive housing. SAMMinistries operates 175 permanent supportive housing units and plans to add 60 more. The city has also committed to investing $25 million in permanent supportive housing as part of the 2023 housing bond.
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