Introduction to Homelessness in McKinney
New rules on homelessness moved forward in McKinney on Tuesday, when the City Council approved a set of bans and guiding principles aimed at steering the city’s broader approach to addressing homelessness in the growing city. The seven-member council revisited the issue after tabling the proposed ordinances last month because council members could not agree on how to deal with a problem that’s stumped leaders across the country amid tighter policies on those experiencing homelessness.
Recent Developments
On Tuesday, leaders decided to ban sitting, sleeping or lying down in certain public spaces downtown. The council also voted to ban sleeping in a car in public parking lots and rights-of-way and ban property owners from allowing someone to camp on a public area of their property. Other levels of governments in Texas are following national trends in policing homelessness. On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered a sweep of homeless encampments in Austin. In May, officials in Dallas unveiled an initiative to close encampments and find housing for people without permanent shelter. Officials said sleeping will not be permitted on downtown streets.
Exceptions and Expire Dates
In McKinney, people can still camp in areas designated for camping and on their own private property. There are also some exceptions to sleeping and sitting downtown, such as medical emergencies, sitting on benches and chairs, and at certain events. The rule changes will expire in a year if the City Council decides not to extend the bans.
Addressing Homelessness
Heather Molsbee, staff member at nonprofit housing program The Samaritan Inn in McKinney, spoke in favor of the city’s broader initiative and program to address homelessness, which council members also approved Tuesday. “The solutions to our current dilemma and the future growth expected are more than dealing with the people we see on the streets today. There are systemic problems [that] can be addressed,” Molsbee told the council Tuesday. “Punishment alone through ordinances will not create change.”
Strategic Plans
Along with McKinney’s new bans, city staff responded to concerns from council members by presenting a more strategic plan to help people experiencing homelessness, including a city-led initiative to build coordinated, long-term strategies in partnership with private and nonprofit groups. The plan serves as a compass, according to city staff, to guide how leaders will respond to and prevent homelessness. The resolution to adopt the principles passed unanimously.
Outreach Programs
City staff also presented the council Tuesday with the Street Outreach Ambassador program launching next month, which includes a hotline for those experiencing homelessness The hotline, reached at 469-215-1786, connects the caller with services and resources.
Program Details
The program, in partnership with city departments, nonprofit Metro Relief and the McKinney Homeless Coalition, will have five case managers known as ambassadors who will provide support services primarily in the downtown area. Council member Justin Beller, who voted against both bans policing homelessness, said in a Tuesday work session he wants to see more funds go to rapid rehousing efforts. “We know access to housing dollars is the largest constraint that we’re dealing with,” Beller said. “We know most of this and we’re doing a lot of it, and we keep bumping up against the barrier that is the cost of housing.”
Conclusion
The city of McKinney has taken a significant step towards addressing homelessness by approving new bans and guiding principles. While some may argue that these measures are too restrictive, others see them as a necessary step towards providing support and resources to those in need. The city’s strategic plan and outreach programs aim to provide a comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness, and it will be important to monitor their effectiveness in the coming months.
FAQs
Q: What are the new bans on homelessness in McKinney?
A: The city has banned sitting, sleeping or lying down in certain public spaces downtown, sleeping in a car in public parking lots and rights-of-way, and property owners from allowing someone to camp on a public area of their property.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the bans?
A: Yes, there are exceptions for medical emergencies, sitting on benches and chairs, and at certain events. People can also still camp in areas designated for camping and on their own private property.
Q: What is the Street Outreach Ambassador program?
A: The program is a city-led initiative that includes a hotline for those experiencing homelessness and provides support services through five case managers known as ambassadors.
Q: How can I access the hotline for the Street Outreach Ambassador program?
A: The hotline can be reached at 469-215-1786.
Q: What is the goal of the city’s strategic plan to address homelessness?
A: The plan aims to provide a comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness by building coordinated, long-term strategies in partnership with private and nonprofit groups.
