Gus lives in San Antonio’s only homeless shelter. He is what the place calls a “prospect”. He is allowed to sleep on the ground in a large courtyard area.
Gus would rather camp than live in Haven for Hope, but the police keep raiding the camps giving people the choice between jail of Haven For Hope
Haven For Hope is a newly opened shelter in town. I only spent a little time there. Although the facility is impressive their solution seems more like institutionalizing homelessness.
Please note that I never asked anyone to speak about this shelter, yet in every interview that was the topic. Street talk about services is not always honest, but in this situation, and from my own tour of Haven of Hope, I have to agree that this is not a way to treat people. Even for my interview they only allowed me to talk to the Head of Secretary.
The ‘airport security’ and giving people the title of “prospects” and “members” gave me the creeps. But my concern is that homeless people in San Antonio are no longer given the freedom of choice.
