HOUSTON — The homeless services hub at 419 Emancipation Avenue in Houston began a soft opening, with approximately 80 people currently staying at the facility. The Harris Center operates the facility, designed to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with medical care, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire noted the increase in occupants. Whitmire said, "It was 60 earlier this week. It is 80 now. It is building up daily." The facility has the capacity to house nearly 200 people.
City officials stated the hub aims to transition people from homelessness into permanent housing, treatment, and employment rather than providing long-term shelter. The Houston City Council discussed additional funding for law enforcement and security operations at the site.
The Houston Police Department Homeless Outreach Team is relocating to the facility. METRO Police, constables, deputy sheriffs, and HPD officers are expected to have a presence. Councilwoman Twila Carter said that law enforcement assigned to the site performs this work in addition to their full-time jobs. Carter said, "Law enforcement who is on-site works their full-time job and this is their second job. They are very much committed and they are trained."
Council Member Edward Pollard expressed a concern regarding occupancy rates. Pollard said, "If the beds are available and no one is showing up, that is a concern because we have invested all of our money for homeless outreach and homeless services primarily into this facility." The city is also pursuing additional green space next to the facility for those participating in the program.