With $70 Million in Funding and a Shift from Sanctioned Campsites, Houston’s Plan Faces Scrutiny from Advocates
Houston officials unveiled a new plan to use the city’s police force to move homeless people into new housing units it plans to build over the next several years.
The plan involves a partnership between the Harris Center for Mental Health and its intellectual and developmental disability services arm to provide additional services for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. City cops would also be expected to transport the more than 1,100 people living unsheltered to housing options, services, or shelter.
Houston officials also said they are in the process of raising more than $70 million from government entities, nonprofits, and private donors to expand outreach and service options for homeless people. Central Houston, Inc., a community development organization, has pledged $1 million toward the effort. Houston’s city council has also considered spending $25 million on the initiative, local news station ABC 13 reported.