Community Connections Hotline Shares Resources with Compassion

Published on April 28, 2025

SAN ANTONIO (April 28, 2025) – To expand access to social services, the City of San Antonio’s Department of Human Services has rebranded the Homeless Connections Hotline into the Community Connections Hotline. The new hotline will provide referrals and references to other service organizations, as well as resources for housing stability. 

The evolution of the Community Connections Hotline reflects a growing recognition that individuals experiencing housing instability often face compound challenges, and early intervention and access to comprehensive support can prevent experiences of homelessness. The Community Connections Hotline retains the Homeless Connections Hotline’s phone number: 210-207-1799.

The hotline’s expansion includes the addition of Benefits Navigators from the Department of Human Services team. These individuals provide one-on-one support to help callers understand and apply for public benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, unemployment assistance, and other critical programs that can improve stability and quality of life.

“By streamlining programs and broadening the scope of the Hotline, we’re building a stronger safety net for our communities,” said Melody Woosley, Director of the Department of Human Services. “This new approach allows us to support individuals and families needing critical support and connect them to the right resources at the right time.”

The Community Connections Hotline is staffed by trained specialists and benefits navigators who offer compassionate, confidential guidance to callers seeking help with:

• Housing and rent assistance
• Emergency shelter and transitional housing
• Utility payment support
• Access to food and basic needs
• Transportation resources
• Referrals to mental health, substance use, and healthcare services
• Public benefits navigation and application assistance

“Judgement ends where compassion begins,” said Tamicko Jones, Community Connections Hotline Operator. “Through the Community Connections Hotline, I witness the shared humanity in others’ struggles, offering hope and connecting people to the resources they need to rebuild and thrive. That is why I come to work every day. It is a blessing to be a blessing.”

The enhanced Community Connections Hotline is operational Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except during inclement weather activation, when the Hotline is operational 24 hours a day.

The first 100 people who donate $10 or more to the Close to Home Alternative Giving Fund to support ID Recovery for people experiencing homelessness will receive a custom Community Connections Hotline Fiesta Medal. 

“With pandemic-era funding ending, many of these essential programs are at risk. These are not optional services — they are vital to our ongoing efforts to address homelessness, and we need the support of our community,” said Katie Wilson, Executive Director of Close to Home.