Encampment Strategy and Case Overview February 2019

Unsheltered Population Overview 61% decrease in unsheltered homelessness since 2011 96% of the unsheltered population is over age 24 years 80% of the unsheltered population identifies as male Over 15,000 people permanently housed since 2012 with 84% remaining housed

Unsheltered Population Overview Unsheltered homelessness is down, however street visibility is up WHY? Redevelopment of bayou trails for recreation Increased abandoned lot maintenance and fencing Tear down enforcement of vacant houses/buildings Development of downtown/midtown/museum district/near downtown = Increased density; rise of encampments; public and political pressure

Encampment Strategy Conduct a baseline assessment of encampment Does data indicate high concentration of persons matching federal definition of chronically homeless? If yes, Execute encampment strategy in conjunction with local jurisdictions Defined time limit (90-120 days) Dedicated encampment team of navigators report daily to site Weekly accountability/progress meetings with report outs Barrier buster team on hand to trouble shoot obstacles Clear communication about encampment closure date Participate in final closure activities (outreach, transportation, offer of “bridge” beds) Remove access to former encampment space

Case Study: Encampment Overview Wheeler Intersection of Wheeler Avenue & Caroline Street, underneath Hwy 59 73 residents identified on 3/23/18 Chartres Intersection of Chartres St & Congress Ave, extending underneath 59 along Chartres to Runnels St ~140 residents identified on 3/26/18, with the highest being 203; population greatly fluctuates in this area Pierce Pierce St under both sides of Hwy 45; from Main St & south to Hutchins St ~69 residents identified on 5/10/18, with the highest being 151

Thank You!! The Coalition for the Homeless leads in the development, advocacy, and coordination of community strategies to prevent and end homelessness. The Way Home is the collaborative model to prevent and end homelessness in Houston, Harris, Ft. Bend, & Montgomery Counties. For more information visit www.thewayhomehouston.org Eva Thibaudeau-Graczyk, LCSW Chief Program Officer