Residents in east downtown say they still have concerns after Houston approved a $16M homeless resource center.
HOUSTON — After weeks of debate, Houston City Council approved a $16 million plan to create a new homeless resource center at 419 Emancipation Avenue. However, some neighbors in east downtown say they still have questions about how it will impact their community.
The city plans to convert the former migrant children shelter into a “low-barrier” facility, previously referred to as “super hub,” offering up to 320 beds and wraparound services such as mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and pathways to housing.
Mayor John Whitmire called it a “first step” toward addressing homelessness citywide with the resource center model.
The proposal passed 14–1 on Wednesday, with Councilmember Edward Pollard casting the lone vote against it, citing concerns about safety and long-term costs.
In response to safety concerns, Whitmire announced that nine Houston Police Department officers, eight officers and a sergeant, will be stationed at the site full-time.
The city also plans to expand Houston’s civility ordinance to the surrounding area, which prohibits public camping and storing personal belongings on sidewalks.
Ongoing resident concerns
In the weeks before the vote, neighbors repeatedly voiced concerns about cost and safety.
After the project’s approval, many told KHOU 11 they’re frustrated — saying the process moved too fast and left little room for public input.
“It’s been two weeks from the time we heard about it to the time they voted,” said Maddi Egan, who lives nearby. “They’re going to expand the civility ordinance, that’s great, but they need to tell us how they’re going to enforce it.”
Egan told KHOU 11 she still wants written plans that show how the city will measure the program’s success and sustain it financially.
“Where are they going to find the funds to sustain it?” she asked. “When are they going to communicate with the community, how often are they going to hear our concerns and see how it’s going?”
Another neighbor, Joe Thompson, said the project could alter the character of the area.
“I’m disappointed in the city; it was very rushed,” Thompson said. “I think it’s going to detract from what east downtown has become and what the Third Ward and East End are.”
City officials have said the facility is expected to open early next year.
According to the approved proposal, the purchase will be financed through the Equipment/Projects Fund, to be reimbursed by various Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) funds.
On Wednesday, Whitmire indicated the east downtown site could be the first of several similar centers across Houston.
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