Activist Knows How to Solve San Angelo Homelessness

SAN ANGELO, TX — Homelessness is not an "unsolvable" problem.  Sydnee Timmer said that homelessness in San Angelo can be significantly reduced through programs like Navigation Day by adopting similar programs such as the "Tiny Homes Transitional Living" program that significantly reduced homelessness in Lubbock. 

Timmer is the Outreach and Marketing Director for the Concho Valley Community Action Agency and a board member of the Concho Valley Homeless Planning Coalition. She is actively involved in creating and implementing concepts, programs, and solutions for reducing homelessness and she believes that

During a San Angelo LIVE studio interview with Matt Cutrer (above), Timmer discussed San Angelo's exclusive Navigation Day which could potentially be adopted by communities nationwide. According to Timmer, San Angelo's Navigation Day program has exploded with growth since its inception in June of 2022, outgrowing locations and continuously expanding agency services available to neighbors (people experiencing homelessness locally).. The following was taken from the Concho Valley Community Action Agency Navigation Day Homepage:

"Over 20 agencies take one day out of the month to provide direct services to people that same day. This is not a resource fair where people are just handed pamphlets and sent on their way. We have had agencies and volunteers helping neighbors get documents, apply for state benefits, receive clothes and shoes, get a haircut, and much more," she said.

Programs like these encourage and teach neighbors to assume responsibility for their circumstances and make strides toward bettering their situation. Successfully navigating tasks like Healthcare enrollment can inspire neighbors to continue taking small significant steps in the right direction. These small steps done consistently over time, build momentum and add up to big results and sometimes life-altering changes for neighbors.

Similar programs, such as the "Tiny-Home Transitional Living" program, have proven effective by solving a problem and educating neighbors on responsibility instead of offering freebies or handouts.  Navigation Day allows neighbors to secure valuable documentation in one location, providing them with a sense of belonging and acceptance, which disrupts negative thought patterns. Similarly, the transitional living program implemented by the City of Lubbock provided people experiencing homelessness with feelings of belonging and acceptance through a shared transitional living community, which improved their sense of security and self-worth, as explained by Timmer. Lubbock was successful Timmer said because "The temporary living situation solved a major problem for those experiencing homelessness by providing safety and security, which subsequently reduced anxiety, allowing them to use momentum to further their reintegration process."

Ultimately, programs like Navigation Day and the "Tiny Homes" program have proven effective at reducing homelessness by evoking a positive response and inspiring neighbors to embrace responsibility and capitalize on the momentum, shifting hopeless thinking toward optimistic, solution-based thinking. San Angelo can greatly reduce homelessness similar to Lubbock by adopting their Transitional Living program and continuing to implement similar educational programs like Navigation Day. According to Timmer, the homeless population in Lubbock outnumbered San Angelo's by a long shot until city officials and committees collaborated and implemented solution-based programs like these. Lubbock continues to reduce homelessness while San Angelo struggles to keep it under control, with a rapidly expanding homeless population.

To be taken directly to the Concho Valley Community Action Agency home page click here.

• For details about the upcoming 2024 Navigation Day in San Angelo and to register to volunteer, click the link directly to the San Angelo LIVE write-up about the event.
• San Angelo LIVE Navigation Day Article 2024.