Introduction to Homelessness in Houston
Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s administration is planning to increase efforts to remove homeless people from public spaces in July. The goal is to get homeless individuals off the streets of Houston. To achieve this, the administration will seek a modification to city rules in the second week of July.
Current Civility Ordinance
The current "civility ordinance" prohibits lying down, sitting, or placing personal possessions on sidewalks during the day in 12 parts of the city. The proposed change would expand this rule to all hours, requiring City Council approval. This modification would initially apply to the Downtown and East End areas.
Expansion of the Civility Ordinance
The rule change would mean that homeless individuals cannot lie down, sit down, or sleep in public areas at any time. However, the administration plans to offer alternative solutions, such as temporary beds and resources, to those affected by the ordinance. The city is working to provide a rehoming plan and mental health support to ensure the effectiveness of the ordinance.
Funding and Partnerships
The city has received funding from various sources, including the Harris County METRO Transit Authority and Harris County Commissioners Court, to support its initiative to end street homelessness. The city is also planning to use federal disaster recovery funds for programs aimed at homeless people. Partnerships with service providers, such as the Harris Center for Mental Health and Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, are also being established.
Services and Temporary Beds
The city plans to set up four to five "hubs" with services and temporary beds for homeless people. The goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to access resources and eventually find permanent housing. The administration emphasizes the importance of saving resources to ensure that people are housed successfully and do not return to the streets.
Homeless Population in Houston
According to the Houston/Harris County Coalition for the Homeless, there were 3,280 homeless people in the Houston area last year, with 1,100 living outside shelters on the streets. The coalition, in partnership with the city, has successfully cleared three encampments in central Houston, putting over 75 people on the path towards housing.
Concerns and Criticisms
Some homeless individuals, like a man named Dave in Midtown, are concerned about the civility ordinance expansion. Dave believes that there must be alternative solutions and that fining or arresting people will not solve the problem. He would rather go to jail than a temporary shelter, where he would not be able to keep his belongings.
Enforcement and Penalties
Violators of the ordinance will first receive a warning from police officers. If they continue to violate the rule, they may face a fine of $200 to $500. The city aims to balance enforcement with support and resources to help homeless individuals find permanent housing.
Conclusion
The expansion of the civility ordinance in Houston aims to address the issue of homelessness in the city. While some critics argue that the ordinance may not be effective in solving the problem, the city is working to provide alternative solutions and support services to help homeless individuals. The success of this initiative will depend on the city’s ability to balance enforcement with compassion and resources. As the city moves forward with its plan, it is essential to consider the perspectives and needs of homeless individuals, like Dave, to ensure that the solution is effective and humane.
