Politics & Government
City, METRO Considering Options For Homeless Encampments
City working to create temporary homeless encampment that would provide safety, security and services for permanent housing.
HOUSTON, TX — The city of Houston may be on its way to clearing a major hurdle when it comes to the homeless population, by creating a temporary haven on METRO property in downtown.
On Monday, the city announced a partnership with METRO and the Houston Recovery Center to convert a downtown segment of METRO property into a small, temporary, outdoor, safe-space for homeless individuals.
The program, if it is implemented, would provide a safe and healthy environment for homeless individuals, while they work to find permanent housing solutions.
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It would include professional management, 24-hour security and supportive services.
READ: Homeless In Houston: Mayor Turner Unveils Homeless Initiative Partnership Program
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Earlier this year, the city instituted a ban on homeless encampments after receiving several complaints in the city’s downtown Museum District from businesses and residents of panhandling, and a month late Mayor Sylvester Turner unveiled a new initiative called Meaningful Change, Not Spare Change that discouraged providing handouts to the homeless.
The this new program announced on Monday is part of the Meaningful Change, Not Spare Change program announced in March, according to a press release.
In addition to the space available for any homeless person interested in staying at traditional indoor shelters, this new potential program near the McNee Street bridge would be another option for those living on the streets or in an encampment.
It’s being considered in consultation with the Coalition for the Homeless and would be integrated into The Way Home, Houston’s community-led, nationally recognized homeless housing initiative.
Through The Way Home, over 100 area organizations are working together to reduce homelessness.
Since 2012, more than 11,000 homeless individuals in Houston have been permanently housed, resulting in a 60 percent decrease in overall homelessness.
About 3,400 homeless individuals are homeless on any given night in greater Houston area, with nearly 70 percent living in area shelters.
Image: Dozens of homeless people live beneath an overpass for Interstate 59 in downtown Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Sedensky).
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