In The Room With TEXAS SENATOR KIRK WATSON

“My introduction to your mission started when I first was running for Mayor back in 1997. I remember very vividly campaigning in downtown church and realizing that I didn’t really know anything substantiate about the issue [Homelessness]. After I took office, I was struck immediately by two things 1.) the severity of the problem 2.) the shocking inability, or refusal of so many people including people I like, respect, and usually agree with to address it [Homelessness]. We did a lot of work of addressing the needs of those living in homelessness back when I was Mayor. I am still proud of it. We built, what we now know as the ARCH. We empowered and formed lasting partnerships with non-profits and faith based groups that are doing so much to address this daily tragedy. We made a multi-million dollar infusion of funding for what was then known as Safe Place to assist Women and Children. And we beat back the strong – orchestrated - well financed effort to sweep up the Homeless and dump them in East Austin or some other part of the region where they (homeless) could be easily and guiltlessly ignored and forgotten. If you ask me to name the area that I considered to be my failure, or at least the area where I was most frustrated, or the area that I stayed up at night knowing I wasn’t achieving what I wanted, or just stayed upset about it was this one. How do we inspire a city to engage? First, we must have clarity of purpose. We must clearly, consistently, and continuously proclaim our purpose WHY we seek our goals. It’s not enough to just feel. We must testify. We can’t let your work, our work, be tied up in the politics of Austin’s latest fight of the week, the new issue of the month, the political angst of the moment. Addressing the needs of our Sisters and Brothers living in Homelessness is a defining issue of our city and should be treated as such. In my view, our purpose has become badly over complicated. We should always look to clarify our reason for action, our purpose. The city, the public must hear a clear, consistent, and continuous use of understandable language that describes the mission. By doing the RIGHT thing for people with needs will save money for all. Let us embrace both our value and the value of decency and dignity. We must also have clarity of practice which I define as nothing more complex than just getting it done. Getting it done openly, efficiently, and effectively. Simply caring. Our practical response is what will actually define the humanity of our city.”

“We should never demand our concept of perfection. None of us, even the smart and the well intentioned, have the perfect solution. Be it for funding, assistance, or long term happiness. We should embrace a variety of tools. There's room for many ideas. Especially ideas that create individual attention for the individual needs of the individuals who need us. We should also call for honest potential out comes. Using clear definitions with common sense, realist language to define success.”

In speaking on Ending Community Homeless Coalition’s rhetorical and unrealistic motto, Senator Watson added, “I admit that I struggle with the phrase ENDING HOMELESSNESS. Because I don’t believe that we will ever end this problem.”