SAN ANTONIO \u2013 San Antonio teenagers are sharing their stories of what it\u2019s like to be homeless or in transition and the sacrifices they\u2019re making to have some control over their lives.<\/p>\n
Jake Gomez, 16, says he\u2019s learning to stay grateful while his family rebuilds stability through SAMMinistries\u2019 transitional housing program in San Antonio.<\/p>\n
Gomez, his four siblings and his dad are part of the program, which provides families a place to live while they work toward permanent housing.<\/p>\n
The family\u2019s caseworker, Sydney Goldberg of SAMMinistries, said the organization houses up to 40 families at a time. It is a two-year program, she said, allowing families to stay up to 24 months.<\/p>\n
For now, families have their own rooms and access to educational and mental health services.<\/p>\n
Goldberg said teenagers can feel the strain of housing instability more acutely as they grow older.<\/p>\n
\u201cTeenagers \u2026 become more self-conscious, more aware of their situation,\u201d she said, adding that frequent school changes can be especially difficult.<\/p>\n
Gomez said daily routines can take extra effort, including long commutes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to take three different buses,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I really don\u2019t mind it. But I don\u2019t want them to be taking three buses.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the challenges, Gomez said he wants other teens to recognize what they have.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like teenagers my age, they\u2019re lucky because they get to have a home,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He added that his family\u2019s situation limits what he and his siblings can do compared with other teens.<\/p>\n
Still, Gomez said being together matters most. \u201cI would just realize that we don\u2019t have a home, that we\u2019re living here,\u201d he said. \u201cBut that I\u2019m with my family, so I\u2019m pretty happy about that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another teen, 17-year-old Dominick Apaez, said his outlook changed after moving into a two-bedroom apartment supported through a public-private partnership backed by SAMMinistries at 425 San Pedro Ave.<\/p>\n
Apaez said he and his dad spent years cycling through shelters and staying with others before landing in the apartment.<\/p>\n
\u201cI first walked into Haven \u2026 the first time, I didn\u2019t like it at all,\u201d Apaez said. \u201cThe second time, I hated it more, because I was back here. This is the one place I didn\u2019t want to be.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now, he said, having his own room has been a major shift.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt looks all brand new. I get my own room,\u201d Apaez said. \u201cThere\u2019s a balcony, which is amazing. The kitchen is awesome.\u201d<\/p>\n
Apaez said he doesn\u2019t take the change for granted and remains thankful to those who helped along the way.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thank them \u2014 everyone who ever let us stay at their house \u2014 just let us get back on our feet,\u201d he said. \u201cI don\u2019t know, man. It\u2019s just really hard to talk about.\u201d<\/p>\n
The difficult years, he said, also strengthened his bond with his dad. Apaez said his message to others facing instability is simple: \u201cAlways find hope. It\u2019s the best thing you can do. And just keep on pushing \u2026 and you\u2019ll be like me, getting here.\u201d<\/p>\n
ResourcesRental Assistance: If you are facing eviction or need rental assistance, click here<\/a> for a list of the available resources.Utility Assistance: For additional utility assistance, visit the City of San Antonio Utilities Assistance page\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Veteran\u2019s Assistance: If you are a veteran or the spouse of a veteran, you can use the following links to get assistance.<\/p>\n