According to the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County, there are roughly 3,300 people who are living in sheltered and unsheltered housing across the Houston area.
An annual study by the Coalition on the homeless population is set to be released next month.
As part of a requirement for any entity that receives federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the President and CEO of The Coalition for the Homeless says, the point in time count shows how many people are experiencing homelessness across Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery Counties.
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Team members from The Coalition go out each year and not only count the number of people living on the streets, they also speak with as many people as possible.
“We actually do a more intensive three-day count, we also actually interview everybody that we talk to. We try to assess them at the same time, so we’re not making a judgment that somebody might be homeless. We’re actually asking where they slept the night before. So our count is fairly accurate but does not necessarily account for everyone,” says Young.
Young says the data they collect could show the homeless population increasing, decreasing, or changing year to year.
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For example, whether there are individuals affected by a storm who are still experiencing homelessness.
That data is then used for planning policies and funding purposes.
“For example, I do think what we’ll experience in the next few years is a much more elderly population, as people are growing older and not being able to live off social security, those individuals end up homeless. So (we’re) kind of watching for some trends but then also validating those trends as they come in,” says Young.
But with recent cuts in federal funding and Covid dollars going away, Young says they are going to have to find a balance in services. Especially for those who have been waiting a long time for housing and those who are just now falling into homelessness.
“The current budget, as it stands and has been presented, is a massive cut to permanent supportive housing, and) is where we put most of our housing dollars. If they were to cut PSH (permanent supportive housing) and say we’re not funding that anymore and we’re going to go to a two year cycle of funding people and they could only have 2 years, we would end up with 6300 people back on the street,” says Young.
Events like The Homeless Outreach Festival by HPD officer Sheldon Theragood help fill those gaps.
Officer Theragood will spend another birthday as part of his non-profit Theragood Deeds to give back to the community.
There will be many healthcare resources, mental health information, free showers, free food, and a little fun.
“It’s a purpose, God put me here for a reason, to give back and always do for others. Every year I created this birthday for my friends out on the streets. I wanted them to have fun, come out of their comfort zone and celebrate,” says HPD Officer Sheldon Theragood, of Theragood Deeds.
“I think when the community figures out ways to be of support to individuals experiencing homelessness, it reminds us that we’re all in this together. We created a world where we need a system response to address homelessness, but community and charity is where we all build hope,” adds Young.
The Homeless Outreach Festival:
- Saturday May 31, 2025
- St. Joseph Clubhouse
- 3307 Austin Street, Midtown
- 10 am-2pm
Theragood says they are always looking for extra volunteers and donations.
For more information go to www.sheldontheragood.com
Click here to learn more about the festival: www.sheldontheragood.com
Click here to see past events: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtLgdR7Jerv/?igsh=bmNmcGNuMmN0aHNt
