HOUSTON – Houston’s homeless services hub at 419 Emancipation Avenue is now operating under a soft opening after months of questions about when the facility would begin serving clients.
City leaders said about 80 people are currently staying at the facility, which is operated by the Harris Center and designed to connect people experiencing homelessness with medical care, mental health services, substance abuse treatment and other wraparound support.
The facility has been described by city officials as a “front door” for homeless services, with the goal of helping people transition off the streets and into permanent housing, employment and long-term support.
During Wednesday’s City Council meeting, Mayor John Whitmire said the number of people staying at the facility is growing.
“And when will it be fully open for the full capacity? We’ll let you know. We’ll let you know. Okay, it’s building up daily. It was 60 earlier this week. It’s 80 now. Just as rapidly as possible,” Whitmire said.
Council Member Joaquin Martinez said the center is designed to help people enter services and eventually move into more stable housing.
“Last week the 27th, so 419 Emancipation has always been seen as a front door that has an exit door as well, so there’s a lot of wraparound services. Harris Health is operating the location,” Martinez said.
Officials say the hub is built to serve people with complex needs, including mental health and substance abuse challenges, by providing medical care and wraparound services all in one location.
The facility can eventually house nearly 200 people, but some council members said they want to see whether the center reaches capacity in the coming months.
Councilman Edward Pollard raised concerns about whether people experiencing homelessness will choose to use the facility, especially given the city’s investment in the project.
“But if the beds are available and no one is showing up, that’s a concern because we have invested all of our money for homeless outreach and homeless services primarily into this facility. And if it’s not something that the homeless population wants to take advantage of, that’s a concern,” Pollard said.
On Wednesday, City Council discussed additional funding connected to law enforcement and security operations at the site.
HPD’s Homeless Outreach Team is relocating to the facility. METRO Police, constables, deputy sheriffs and HPD are also expected to have a presence there.
During the meeting, city leaders said the officers assigned to the site are trained to work with people experiencing homelessness.
“Law enforcement who’s on-site, this is their second job. You know, they work their full-time job and this is their second job. So they’re very much committed. They’re trained,” officials said councilwoman Twila Carter said.
The city is also pursuing additional green space next to the facility for people participating in the program.
The soft opening comes as Houston continues preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the city’s first match set for June 14 at NRG Stadium.
Officials said the goal of the hub is not long-term sheltering, but helping people move from homelessness into permanent housing, treatment, employment and other support services.