Houston leaders say they’re developing a plan to tackle homelessness

In Houston, Texas, the City’s Housing and Community Development Department has a new director, Mike Nichols, who is collaborating with Mayor John Whitmire to address homelessness. Nichols, formerly the president and CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston and Harris County, has been in his current position for eight weeks.

Nichols and Mayor Whitmire are expanding upon existing plans to further reduce homelessness, with a focus on housing individuals living on the streets, especially those in encampments. The initiative aims to provide paid case managers and rent subsidies to support these individuals, along with finding solutions for those with severe mental health issues.

Collaboration and increased outreach are key components of the strategy to decrease the homeless population. Nichols emphasized the effectiveness of housing individuals and providing wraparound services, stating that homelessness is a solvable problem.

Although 2024 data is pending release, recent reports from the Coalition for the Homeless show a 17% decrease in unhoused persons from 2022 to 2023.

Nichols and Whitmire recently traveled to Washington D.C. to advocate for increased funding for housing vouchers, considering the evolving funding landscape.

Funding challenges also affected meal services at 61 Riesner St., prompting concerns about program sustainability. Despite initial funding limitations, Mayor Whitmire approved additional funding to sustain the program temporarily while alternative funding sources are secured.

Despite potential budget constraints, Nichols remains optimistic, citing the department’s expertise in leveraging federal funds to support their operations.