As you've read throughout our website, the SAMM Shelter has begun its transition. In a matter of weeks, we will be fully moved out of our 910 West Commerce shelter and operating entirely from our new facilities on the Haven for Hope campus.

I will agree that this move is a positive step, not only for our Ministry, but for the way that the citizens and government of San Antonio are choosing to respond to our homeless citizens' sometimes proverbial, sometimes literal "cries for help".

I take pause, however, in realizing that, on the days when I return to our 910 West Commerce shelter to check in on things, collect things from my office there, or to conduct business, I dread going back... and not for the reasons you might think. I do not look forward to going back to see a place that has been my work home for more than 5 years and an actual, albeit, temporary home to 400+ people per night for the last 20+ years being dismantled.

The furniture is being removed. Of course it is. It can't stay. We have to go.

The military flag that the SAMM staff accepted on behalf of one homeless veteran's family who could not be located will soon come off of the wall. Of course it will. It must. It's time for it to take its place on our new walls.

The guests are packing their belongings. Of course they are. They can't stay. They have to move on. Opportunity awaits.

My mind knows that it is time to move on - to take that next step into SAMMinistries' future and to continue to do what we've always done: love, serve, and offer a hand UP for our city's homeless as best we can... and in facilities built for this purpose and with the needs of the homeless in mind...

... but my human heart aches just a bit, as I think of what this dilapidated building has offered to so many over the years... and the stories that those walls would share if they could talk.

More stories to come, friends. Stay tuned.