HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Metropolis of Houston is working to open a “superhub” for the homeless in east downtown.
On Monday, the Metropolis of Houston Housing and Group Improvement Division Director Mike Nichols and Public Security Director Larry Satterwhite offered a plan to Houston Metropolis Council’s High quality of Life Committee to buy and rework a web site subsequent to Shell Stadium right into a no-barrier shelter.
The positioning, 419 Emancipation Avenue, beforehand served as a homeless shelter. Most lately, it was leased as a shelter for migrant kids. Nichols mentioned the positioning is interesting as a result of it already has many of the infrastructure wanted to run such an operation.
The town plans to buy the positioning for $16 million. The council will vote to authorize the acquisition subsequent Wednesday. If permitted, officers hope to have the shelter up and working throughout the first quarter of 2026.
Nichols mentioned town presently has just a few shelter beds for single males. He mentioned nobody can be turned away from the shelter, together with the pets and companions of these looking for assist. He mentioned the shelter “goes to be tailor-made for essentially the most acute wants” – outfitted to help these with extreme substance abuse and psychological sickness. Those that keep on the shelter can be related with neighborhood companions for help. The shelter will settle for walk-ups.
ABC13 spoke with 49-year-old Corwan Kelley, who mentioned he believes, “It could be an excellent place to stabilize individuals, and higher their lives, go in a special path and higher themselves.”
Kelley advised ABC13 he has been homeless for a number of months after his current launch from jail for drug possession. He mentioned he has struggled to safe everlasting housing together with his document.
District I Council Member Joaquin Martinez declined ABC13’s request for an interview on the subject on Tuesday.
Satterwhite advised council members that residents of the encompassing neighborhood have raised security issues. He mentioned the ability could have a strong safety and Houston police presence, along with a surveillance system.
“That’s our assurance to most people – that it is a facility that is serving to individuals and never bringing the realm down,” Satterwhite mentioned.
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