Houston City Council approves property purchase for homeless facility
On Wednesday, Houston City Council approved the purchase of a property in East Downtown to create the city’s first centralized homeless intake facility. FOX 26’s Leslie DelasBour explains the information available so far and why one councilmember voted against the purchase.
HOUSTON – On Wednesday, Houston City Council approved the purchase of a property in East Downtown to create Houston’s first centralized homeless intake facility. The project is set to take shape at 419 Emancipation Avenue.
Houston: EaDo homeless facility project
What they’re saying:
City housing and public safety leaders say the “Super Hub” will serve as a “front door” for individuals experiencing homelessness, connecting them to immediate safety, healthcare, psychiatric support, and substance abuse programs.
The facility would house 150 to 225 people and function as an alternative to citations or jail for those sleeping in public spaces.
According to the city’s presentation, the hub aims to fill major service gaps, including limited shelter capacity for single adults, restricted intake hours, and a lack of resources for those with severe mental illness or substance-use disorders.
The cost of operation
By the numbers:
The project is part of a broader three-year, $168 million “Ramp Up Plan,” jointly funded by the City of Houston, Harris County, and private foundations.
City officials say $33 million has already been committed, with the county pledging $8 million and philanthropic organizations contributing $6 million so far.
Annual operating costs for the downtown facility are estimated at between $10-14 million, not including housing subsidies and wrap-around support. The city plans to partner with nonprofit service providers experienced in managing clients with complex health and behavioral needs.
What they’re saying:
“This is not a shelter — it’s a navigation center,” Councilmember-At-Large Twila Carter, who supports the plan, said earlier this month. “You can’t very well address a problem in a community unless you go into a community.”
Earlier this month, Mayor John Whitmire defended the project, assuring residents that public safety will remain a top priority.
“I can almost guarantee you that you will like the outcome,” Whitmire said. “You won’t be dealing with urination on the street. You won’t be dealing with nudity. These folks are going to get the help that they so badly need…I can almost guarantee you that you will like the outcome….I would hope that you would come back in six months and tell us we were right.”
City leaders break down details of $16 million approval
Big picture view:
City Attorney Arturo Michel says with the homelessness issue concentrated in the downtown region, this is going to begin moving people off the streets, hopefully back to the lives they want to live.
“There [are] going to be various sources. We will probably have to issue some debt off the beginning, and then we will pay it off with revenue that we get. What still needs to be determined is how we are going to pay for the ongoing operation costs, but there are several sources the city has used in the past. There are grants from the state and the federal government. There are private grants,” said Michele. “It’s already built out substantially, but there is still more work to be done, but it has beds, it has a kitchen, places for people to be treated, to be provided medicine. There is going to be a security presence there to make sure the neighborhood is safe and this is going to be voluntary. People are going to come and go. ”
However, Michel did address concerns from citizens about the project coming to their area.
“This came up. We had some neighborhood concerns. This is natural. Is this going to be safe? Is this going to property values but I think with the town halls, the housing director with Chief Satterwhite they have been able to go and at least alleviate fears, and the important thing is that the city continues with what it has represented,” he added.
Residents, Councilmember Pollard push back
The other side:
FOX 26 spoke Councilmember Edward Pollard, who represents District J, also known as J City. He was the only one to vote no.
He explained that he still has a lot of concerns about the operation, the impact on the community, and the money being spent to get this open.
“We’re spending about $16 million on that purchase of the building and then, there will be between a million and two million needed to operate that building per month each year. Right now, we have identified some funding from the federal government that will pay for some of those operating costs that will only last about three years,” said Councilmember Pollard. “Now the reason I voted ‘No’ today was there are still so many unanswered questions that I have and that I think the community has we have nearly 4 thousand un housed people around the City of Houston this facility will only be able to house 250 of them.”
“So we have to ask ourselves are we being as prudent as possible to make sure we are not overpaying for this building when we know that we are already in financial constraints,” he added.
One concerned citizen, Art Wager, says he lives in the area and is concerned about some of the same issues as Councilmember Pollard.
Wager says he is a former law enforcement officer and is used to working with the homeless population as far as a multidisciplinary approach with social services. He does not believe low-barrier housing is appropriate, and he hopes this approval will be followed up on.
“I think it feels rushed to me, and we don’t know where this money is going,” Wager said. “To me, it’s shady, it’s not transparent, and we need to get to the bottom of who is paid.”
Opponents argue the city has rushed the proposal and failed to adequately inform residents of its scope and impact. Critics say the location — near homes, small businesses, and venues slated to host World Cup 2026 events — poses safety and economic risks.
“I want to see this plan. You’re not giving us enough time to see this plan,” says one concerned resident in the community meeting at Settegast Park Community Center earlier this month. A press conference was held beforehand by journalist Wayne Dolcefino. He was joined by several residents of the Stanford Lofts — a condominium located two minutes from the proposed location.
“It’s going to be a dangerous situation for the homeless and the community,” said resident Steve Brown.
The Source: FOX 26 gathered information from the City of Houston and residents in the East End for this story.