SAN ANTONIO — The first of 10 Safe Haven Baby Boxes, originally slated for installation at Fire Station 24 by the end of February, has been delayed because the contract for the project has not yet been finalized, a San Antonio Fire Department spokesperson confirmed.
In 2023, the San Antonio City Council approved funding for 12 baby boxes, though the plan has since been reduced to 10. Former District 9 Councilman John Courage, who helped secure the funding, said legal and logistical requirements have slowed progress.
“There’s a lot of things the city wants to be sure of and the company needs to be sure of before they start doing that,” Courage said.
He added that selecting appropriate fire stations took time because many facilities are older or undergoing replacement. The department also welcomed a new fire chief, who had to assess ongoing projects and shift priorities.
Courage said three sites have now been identified, and the city is prepared to begin installation.
“I’ve always felt if we can save the life of one newborn for the money that we’ve invested and the work that we put into it, it’s well worthwhile for our city,” he said.
A San Antonio Fire Department spokesperson said the delays stem from multiple steps, including architectural and site assessments, construction designs, contractor estimates, permits, and ongoing contract negotiations with Safe Haven.
“Once finalized, Safe Haven will ship the first box, and installation will begin,” the statement said.
The budget for the program is approximately $420,000, which covers retrofitting fire stations. The first three boxes will be installed at stations 24, 18, and 7, with the city planning to evaluate their effectiveness before moving forward with additional units.