On the heels of Mayor John Whitmire’s statement that the city would be opening a city-sponsored homeless encampment in Houston, he made another announcement regarding homelessness in the city: a $70 million investment to improve conditions for the city’s homeless.
“It’s not only a Houston problem, it’s a State of Texas problem, it’s a national problem,” he said at a press conference with members from his administration, nonprofit leaders, and others working to combat homelessness across the city.
The plan is to make sure there are resources and constant beds available for Houston’s homeless, thereby getting them off the streets and “reclaiming” public property. This will require funding as well as city ordinance changes.
The first year will be funded by $25 million by the City of Houston, if approved by council members; $20 million from Harris County; $15 million from philanthropic efforts and corporations; and $10 million from other governmental entities.
Care providers and law enforcement will reach out to homeless people, inform them of available resources, and offer alternative shelter options.
This plan replaces the past plan for the previously mentioned city-sponsored homeless encampment.
Whitmire reiterated that this wasn’t just a Houston or Harris County problem, and that Houston will be looking for assistance and funding from the state, as well.
Responding to the mayor, Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas, Chair of the Housing Committee, issued the following statement:
…the focus of yesterday’s press conference appeared to shift away from housing solutions and toward the discomfort caused by the presence of the unhoused in public spaces…
Let us not turn our backs on success, regardless of who was in position to initiate it. It is critical that we maintain this trajectory by ensuring our policies address the root cause—housing—and do not inadvertently create more barriers for our most vulnerable residents.
Her statement laid out three points on which Thomas “urged” the mayor’s office to provide clarity: how law enforcement will engage the homeless, the reasons for a shift from a “housing-first” approach, and what role federal funding will play.
Along with the initiative, the mayor said he would bring an ordinance change to council members that would ban sleeping on city streets after 9 p.m. Whitmire says the proposed ordinance will be announced in the coming weeks.
“If you’re operating in the City of Houston, dealing with people, you’re going to have to contribute and be a part of this collaboration,” he said. “We think we can run an annual program of about $70 million… our state partners that are here, it’s your problem, too.”
No ads. No paywalls. No government grants. No corporate masters.
Just real news for real Texans.
Support Texas Scorecard to keep it that way!
