Homeless Archives - Uvalde Hesperian

U.S. celebrates Christmas by waging war on the homeless

admin — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 14:43:49 +0000

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

12-21-25

The prospect of becoming homeless is scary close for many Americans housing costs and the cost of living continues to go up. Lose your home and you can easily become a persona non grata person, meaning an unacceptable or unwelcome person to society.

In response to the U.S Supreme Court Grants Pass Decision, President Donald Trump has doubled down on commending that States to enforce laws that criminalize public camping, sleeping in public and even loitering. Want to take a brief nap at lunch after lunch? It could be illegal now.

Think this only applies to only those homeless living in tents on public property? The law actually can affect those who live in a vehicle such as car, truck, van or RV who are parked overnight on public property or a public right of way.

Trump signed an executive order on July 24th, 2025 called Ending Illegal Encampments and Restoring Our Cities and Public Spaces.

According to the order it reads, “Endemic vagrancy, disorderly behavior, sudden confrontations, and violent attacks have made our cities unsafe. The number of individuals living on the streets in the United States on a single night during the last year of the previous administration — 274,224 — was the highest ever recorded.”

President Trump’s Executive Order instructs the DOJ to look at using civil-commitment laws more aggressively for people with severe mental illness or addiction who are repeatedly cited for camping.

(On December 19th, 2025) “A federal judge on Friday blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from imposing new restrictions on more than $3 billion in grant funding used to provide permanent housing and other services to homeless people,” a Reuters article said.

According to an Investopedia article published on September 24th, 2025 , it says, “The percentage of people living paycheck to paycheck increased 4% from 2024 to 2025, with 67% of Americans struggling financially, a new report said.

According to the article, it reads, “A 2025 financial wellness study that looks at what employees value found that 67% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. That’s up from 63% in 2024, according to the PNC Bank Financial Wellness in the Workplace Report.1 As the cost of living rises, it’s easy to understand why more people are strapped for funds,”

“Texas is home to tens of thousands of homeless families and individuals who do not have access to affordable housing or even safe and adequate shelter, and who instead must live outdoors until housing is available to them,” According to the National Homelessness Law Center article

A Texas statewide camping ban (House Bill 1925) went live September 2021. It’s a Class C misdemeanor (up to five hundred dollar fine) for anyone to camp in any public place that isn’t a designated campground. Cops can cite or arrest you on the spot—no shelter has to be available requirements like some other states. – Cities can’t opt out or make their own softer rules anymore.

The City of Uvalde has recently had its own issues with homeless camps set up on City property, specifically the land just south of Uvalde Memorial Park along the banks of the Leona River.

In 2024, the Uvalde Hesperian went to the location and spoke with several of those living there including a man named Michael who stated his truck was towed off from being parked on a Dollar General Store privately owned property, He went on to say he was told he had to come up with several hundred dollars to reclaim his camper. Homeless campers issued “Notice to Vacate” by the City – Uvalde Hesperian

City of Uvalde Ordinances pertaining to Recreational Vehicles

Even if you are not homeless and own an RV, the City of Uvalde’s has strict codes on where a resident can park a RV an prohibits anyone residing it according to City of Uvalde Code

17.36.010 – Permitted accessory uses: E

Additionally Parking an RV on a city street is illegal within the City of Uvalde.

10.32.070 – Parking of oversize vehicles on public streets or highways. F

The post U.S. celebrates Christmas by waging war on the homeless appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Homeless persons try setting up a tent inside the Library’s native plant garden.

admin — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 18:29:22 +0000

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

06-16-25

Note: The Uvalde Hesperian blurred the face of the person pictured in the top photo

At approximately 9 AM this morning, two individuals were seen sleeping separately on the front porch of El Progreso Memorial Library about one hour before the opening hour of 10 AM. At the same time, there were two others who were awake sitting on the opposite side of the porch along with some personal items.

A few minutes before 10 AM the sliding glass doors of the library opened, and a library employee shouted at the two figures lying prone on the concrete stoop telling the two to get up and “it’s time to go.”

El Progreso Memorial Library Director Tammie Sinclair said, “We have had homeless people before, but in the last week have had people try to put up a tent. We are working with Uvalde PD to help them relocate. UPD will be checking the library more at night and will be checking the garden for us.”

In 2014, The City of Uvalde experienced issues with homeless individuals camping on city owned property to the south of Uvalde Memorial Park along the river.

The post Homeless persons try setting up a tent inside the Library’s native plant garden. appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Homeless camp(s) along Leona Riverbed now a “County Matter”

admin — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 18:31:24 +0000

by Michael Robinson |Uvalde Hesperian

01-23-25

Recent rumors of stray dogs, possible animal mistreatment and homeless encampments along the Leona River prompted the Uvalde Hesperian to revisit the pathway along the Leona riverbed just South of Uvalde Memorial Park Wednesday morning, January 22nd.

Along the way down the path, a shopping cart full of aluminum cans and a single Crocs shoe was found along with a few articles of clothing hung from branches.

The Uvalde Hesperian encountered two City of Uvalde employees who stated they were following up on a report of a wounded deer being chased by a dog.

“Are the homeless camps back?” the Hesperian asked. One of the workers said there was a camp, but it is farther down stating, “It’s a County matter now.”

About a year ago, this same area, owned by the City of Uvalde had a few homeless camps consisting of make-shift tents, and campfires. This prompted City Officials to order those occupying the space to leave or face penalties.

The Uvalde Hesperian did see a sizable homeless camp about an 1/8 of a mile down the path from Uvalde Memorial Park.

The post Homeless camp(s) along Leona Riverbed now a “County Matter” appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Homeless campers issued “Notice to Vacate” by the City

admin — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 13:11:05 +0000

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

Tuesday morning March 26th, the Uvalde Police Department officers posted a “Notice to Vacate” on its Facebook Page, an indication the City of Uvalde was taking action to clear the homeless encampments

which exists just south of Uvalde Memorial Park about a 10th of a mile down a dirt road along the Leona River. Upon seeing the notice on Facebook, the Uvalde Hesperian went to Uvalde Memorial Park and saw four Uvalde Police Department units parked on the parking lot nearest to the location of the campsites. Several officers were seen returning to their units. According to one of the officers, the campers were served the aforementioned notice to vacate, giving the approximate half dozen to a dozen homeless campers notice they must pack up and leave.

The officer continued staying and the department has received numerous complaints from a nearby neighborhood, businesses and the Uvalde Memorial Golf Course.

The Uvalde Police Department posted the following on its Facebook Page:

“Effective 04/05/2024, 10 days from now, the City will be enforcing Texas Penal Code 48.05, which prohibits camping in certain public areas. This measure is in place to ensure the safety, cleanliness, and accessibility of our public spaces for all residents.

We understand that homelessness is a complex issue, and our aim is to balance the needs of our entire community while also providing support and resources to those in need. To assist individuals affected by this enforcement, we urge anyone experiencing homelessness to connect with local shelters, outreach programs, and social services for assistance and support.

For those who require additional information or assistance, please reach out to the Uvalde Police Department.”

According to Councilman Chip King who had gone down to the camps a few weeks ago accompanied by Mayor Cody Smith, he said, “Basically most don’t want to leave.”
King stated, I offered to pay to put them on a bus to San Antonio where there are homeless shelters and other services but few seemed interested.

King had researched the property maps and confirmed the homeless campers are situated on city-owned property.

Chip said he and other city officials along with the Uvalde Police Department came up with a plan based on what they could do legally to remove the campers.

One of the first campers known as Mike, who is originally from Michigan set his camp up there out of necessity. According to Mike, who lived in his truck, it was parked in the parking lot of a nearby Dollar General Store and while he was in town, the manager of the store called the cops and had them tow his truck away back in the fall of last year. According to Mike, he tried for several months to try to come up with the three to four hundred dollars needed to get his truck back from the impound lot. The Uvalde Hesperian met with Mike Tuesday evening, March 26th and he said he lost his truck and all of his possessions because he couldn’t come up with money needed to get his truck back.

Mike said, while he has been living there, he has worked to clean up the trash and clear the trail area for bikers and others.

Mike, who has some health problems, gets some help from locals and also finds food and other items by dumpster diving. When asked what he will do when he finally has to pack up and leave the site, he said already has a plan in mind. He said word got out about him camping there and others started setting up campsites too. One neighbor of his, he said, was using drugs and was possibly bi-polar. A few months ago, the neighbor thought Mike broke into his tent. The neighbor came over and confronted him and at one point held a knife against Mike’s throat. Mike reported the guy and he is no longer there.

Mike said there have been many locals who have come to the area looking for illegal drugs or to hang out thinking it’s a party scene. He also said when word got out about the encampments, many locals would walk down the trail to gawk at the campers.

He went on to say he has received help from numerous people in town but others are just mean.

While visiting the site. The Uvalde Hesperian saw several other homeless people passing along the dirt trail.

The post Homeless campers issued “Notice to Vacate” by the City appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Uvalde City Councilman Chip King gives update on the homeless camps along the Leona River

admin — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:30:31 +0000

Uvalde City Councilman Chip King

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian ; Top Photo by the Uvalde Hesperian

Along the banks of the Leona River to the south of Uvalde Memorial Park, there are at least two homeless camps set up with possibly more further down the river.

In a previous City Council meeting, Pastor Gilbert Limones of Casa El Shaddai addressed the Uvalde City Council in November 2023 asking for the City’s assistance in helping Uvalde’s homeless population. See story here

Uvalde City Councilman Chip King and other city representatives recently visited the area just South of Uvalde Memorial Park and shared this report with the Uvalde Hesperian.

“We went down there last week and found only two small camps. One was occupied by a man from Michigan who does not want any help and the other was occupied by a man from Uvalde. The man from Uvalde has since left leaving only the man from out of town,” King said.

The post Uvalde City Councilman Chip King gives update on the homeless camps along the Leona River appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Local pastor asks City for assistance in their efforts to help Uvalde’s homeless population

admin — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 17:12:22 +0000

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian
Pastor Gilbert Limones of Casa El Shaddai addressed the Uvalde City Council during the public comments portion of the meeting asking for the City’s help in addressing the needs of the homeless people whom many whom are living in the margins of town.
“We want to be a church that makes a difference in our city. The way that we can do this is by coming to ya’ll and saying you have a church that is willing to help you out in situations that are going on. And one of the biggest things we are having right now is the actual issue with the homeless people. We’ve been feeding them,” Limones said.
“We’re trying to see what we can do to get them off the street,” Limones said. He went on to say it’s a growing issue.
“We want to be the hands and feet of Jesus,” he said. He also mentioned that his church wants to open a homeless shelter.
The Uvalde Hesperian learned about the homeless camps along the banks of the Leona River south of Uvalde Memorial Park several weeks ago and saw a couple of homeless camps. The property just south of Memorial Park is owned by the Uvalde Hospital Authority and further down along the Leona river bed, the property is owned by several individuals according to an online Uvalde County Appraisal District Survey.
While there are some who claim that the homeless are undocumented migrants and transients who are passing through the Uvalde area. Limones told the Uvalde Hesperian that the homeless he and his church have encountered are in fact locals, who have fallen into hard times.
City and County officials that the Uvalde Hesperian have spoken to previously have said they are aware of the homeless camps.
It is unclear how many homeless camps are located along the Leona River but unconfirmed reports have indicated the numerous homeless tents may exist along the Leona River bed for more than a mile south of Uvalde Memorial Park.
Due to the isolated area along the Leona River Bed south of Memorial Park, the Uvalde Hesperian was told that the area may be unsafe to visit by one City official.
At a City Council meeting held in 2022. a manager of Mr. Gatti’s Pizza spoke to the Uvalde City Council asking for help concerning a nearby homeless camp and one of the restaurant’s employees felt unsafe when taking trash to the dumpster behind the restaurant. https://uvaldehesperian.com/2022/10/12/uvalde-city-council-mr-gattis-pizza-asked-city-council-for-help-with-crime-and-homeless-camping-near-new-restaurant/

The post Local pastor asks City for assistance in their efforts to help Uvalde’s homeless population appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.