SAN ANTONIO – Since Monday, the outreach team with the city’s Homeless Services and Strategy Department has been out across San Antonio to let those experiencing homelessness know they should avoid drainage ditches as rain is coming and could be hanging around for the next few days.
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Patrick Steck, the assistant director of the department, said according to team members, a number of those in the unhoused community have heard about the rain forecast.
He said that is good to hear, but they are working to make sure those who have not heard get the weather alert.
Steck said everyone the outreach team speaks to is being encouraged to find higher ground, especially those who live in or near drainage ditches or culverts.
Last March, a 61-year-old woman who reportedly lived in a drainage tunnel drowned after she was swept away. Her body was found in Woodlawn Lake.
Six months later, another tragedy hit when another woman and a man known to be part of the unhoused community were found dead near Salado Creek.
They too were believed to have been swept away.
Steck said to prevent loss of life, those who do not have shelter need to be informed as early as possible about potential safety risks and dangers, such as avoiding drainage systems and other low-lying areas.
“So, number one is getting the word out about what’s coming. So, we’re monitoring the weather forecasts,” Steck explained. “Every time they come out from the weather service, which is several times per day, we’re keeping a track of that internally and then getting that message (out).”
Something else the city is doing to ensure the unhoused community is aware of the potential flooding danger in an area is putting up signs.
Steck said the signs are going up in areas where they know people live and sleep, but members of the outreach team missed them and could not tell them face-to-face that their spot could possibly flood.
The city is working with local nonprofits like Close to Home, Haven for Hope, Corozan and the Salvation Army to offer resources.
Steck said the city’s outreach team will be back out Thursday to check on the people in areas they have already stopped by to make sure they are safe and to also hand out rain ponchos.
If you see someone who may need assistance, you can call or share the number to the Community Connections Hotline at 210-207-1799.
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