At a glance
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs awarded the city $1.3 million to address homelessness and $405,000 specifically to combat youth homelessness, according to meeting documents.
The funds are part of TDHCA’s fiscal year 2026 Texas Homeless Housing and Services Program and were approved under City Council’s consent agenda—which is made up of multiple items voted upon in one motion—during its regular meeting.
According to meeting documents, the $1.3 million can be used for actions helping people experiencing homelessness, such as:
- Building or procuring housing
- Renovating homelessness service facilities
- Funding homelessness and case management services
- Funding emergency shelters
- Essential services
- Street outreach
- Transitional living help
- Case management
In February, city leaders secured $21.8 million in funding for an almost $70 million homeless initiative announced by Houston Mayor John Whitmire in November, as previously reported by Community Impact. The program aims to move around 1,000 individuals from encampments into housing and support services, as well as establish hubs across the city to offer immediate support and reclaim public spaces for community enjoyment.
At least 3,280 individuals face nightly homelessness in Houston, with 1,100 being unsheltered, as previously reported by Community Impact.
Something to note
During the regular meeting, Houston City Council also approved—with Council member Edward Pollard voting against—a $16 million property purchase with 419 Hope Partners LLC at 419 Emancipation Ave.
The 90,674-square-foot facility includes two buildings and will be used as a transitional shelter for people experiencing homelessness, according to meeting documents.
