Since 2020, Nueces County has experienced a staggering 337.9% increase in its unhoused population, marking a concerning trend as 2025 approaches. The county’s efforts to address the crisis seem to fall short, sparking frustration among advocates and residents alike.
Point-in-Time Reports: Measuring the Crisis
Every year, counties across Texas conduct Point-in-Time (PIT) reports as part of a federal initiative by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These reports, led by volunteers, provide an official count of unhoused individuals and play a pivotal role in determining federal funding for homelessness programs.
In 2020, Nueces County reported 269 unhoused individuals. Fast forward to 2024, the latest report revealed a sharp increase to 491 individuals. Alarmingly, 249 of those surveyed indicated they were experiencing homelessness for the first time.
City Budget Cuts: Fueling the Fire?
The rise in homelessness has coincided with significant budget cuts by the city government. City Manager Peter Zanoni announced substantial reductions for the 2024–2025 fiscal year in July. The city’s Homeless Services department saw its budget slashed from $433,804 to $60,828. Additionally, five positions were eliminated from the city’s Homeless Services and Housing Services departments.
Zanoni defended these cuts by stating that larger nonprofits like the Salvation Army would fill the void. However, Marilena Garza, CEO of The Free Store, voiced strong opposition during the public meeting. “This is sick. These are veterans, mothers, and daughters,” she exclaimed, emphasizing the human cost of the city’s decisions.
Advocates Speak Out
Garza has been a vocal critic of the city’s approach. On Tuesday, she reiterated her frustration, calling the city’s handling of the issue “gross negligence.”
“Homelessness is not a business, but that is how they view poor people,” Garza stated. “These ineffective and expensive strategies make me question the morality of our leaders. They know better.”
A comparison with other counties of similar size underscores her concerns. For instance, Galveston County reported only 358 unhoused individuals despite facing similar economic pressures. Meanwhile, Texas has seen a 29.7% decrease in its unhoused population since 2007, highlighting the unique challenges in Nueces County.
What Can Residents Do?
Garza emphasized the importance of public awareness in tackling the crisis. “The number one thing you can do is talk about it,” she said. “Many people are unaware of how serious the issue has become in Corpus Christi.”
She urged residents to educate themselves and others. “This issue impacts everyone—directly or indirectly. Whether it’s through family, friends, or community interactions, homelessness touches every level of society.”
How to Get Involved
With no set date for the following PIT report, The Free Store encourages residents to take action. Volunteers can visit The Free Store in person or via social media for more information.