As New Braunfels continues to grow, so does the gap between available housing and what local workers can afford.
Since 2013, NB Housing Partners has worked to close that gap. The nonprofit, founded by the McKenna Foundation, focuses on increasing affordable housing options while addressing the complex personal challenges that can lead to homelessness.
“It’s not just about shelter; it’s also about addressing what led to homelessness to begin with,” Executive Director Kellie Stallings said.
For many, those challenges don’t come from a single event; instead, they come from a series of setbacks that compound over time.
Real stories of impact
One individual cycled through homelessness and NB Housing Partners programs while dealing with substance use and strained family relationships. After multiple attempts to get back on track, something shifted.
“He came and left our shelter several times until he was able to say, ‘I get that y’all are here for me, and I’m ready to do something different,’” Stallings said.
With support, he entered recovery, rebuilt relationships with his family, and eventually secured stable employment and housing. He has maintained that stability even after setbacks, such as job loss and changes in living situations.
Others face different challenges. Older adults on fixed incomes struggle with rising costs, health issues or financial setbacks. With the right support, many transition into permanent housing and remain there.
Inside the programs and services
Case managers work one-on-one with participants to create personalized housing plans.
These plans offer several types of support, including:
- Shelter services: provides immediate safety for up to 66 adults at a time
- Homelessness prevention: helps those at risk of losing their current housing through the Wayfinders Empowerment Services program
- Rapid rehousing: quickly moves people into community units at reduced rental rates
- Transitional housing: gives adult men short-term housing and time to get back on their feet
Beyond housing, the organization helps individuals:
- Find a job: provides resume help, interview practice and clothing for those interviews
- Access health care: connects people to mental health therapy and physical health care
- Replace documents: assists with recovering lost or stolen identification
- Learn budgeting: teaches money management and life skills to help individuals stay housed long-term
About 75% of participants in the rapid rehousing and transitional housing programs are able to move into permanent housing because of these programs and services.
Expansion plans
The organization is continuing to expand the types of housing available in the community.
A new 52-unit development, originally designed by NB Housing Partners for financially struggling families, is now owned/operated by the New Braunfels Food Bank, and is expected to open within the next few months. It will offer a place for those who need time and support before transitioning to market-rate housing.
NB Housing Partners is in the initial stages of development for a 50-unit transitional housing community to serve adults, with plans to begin building in the next few years.
Additionally, Stallings said housing insecurity has doubled in people aged 18-25 within the past couple of years. So, looking ahead, community leaders and nonprofit organizations are exploring housing options specifically for that age range.
Why it matters
Housing instability can grow quickly within a community without enough affordable housing and support systems in place. This especially impacts the community’s front-line workforce, which, in turn, affects employers and community residents who rely on the existence of a stable workforce for a variety of products and services.
“When we allow housing instability to grow in our community, people feel less safe, and they worry about their property values,” Stallings said. “So it’s crucial that we address this before the problem gets bigger, causing homelessness to be normalized and those living on the streets to lose support and motivation to seek help.”
How to help
Community involvement plays a key role in NB Housing Partners’ work.
Residents can get involved by:
- Serving meals
- Donating essential items
- Helping with maintenance projects
- Volunteering time and skills
For those facing housing instability, support can turn a moment of crisis into a path forward.
Click here to learn more about NB Housing Partners or to get involved today.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.