Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Monday that more than 500 homeless people have obtained housing through programs that are part of an initiative he unveiled in March.
During a press conference held at City Hall, Turner specified that 548 “chronically homeless individuals” have been housed between March and August of 2017.
The Mayor noted nonetheless that, according to the estimates he has received, there are still about 1,100 homeless individuals that don’t go to shelters in Houston.
Turner also addressed the homelessness that could impact Houston because of the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and demanded help from the federal government and the state government.
“We haven’t yet seen the effect of Harvey, but if help doesn’t come from the state [of Texas] and from the feds in a much greater level than what is currently coming you are going to see it,” the mayor emphasized as he explained that many Houstonians are living in very poor conditions because of the damage sustained by their homes and they might resort to being homeless in the coming weeks and months.
“The number one concern from Hurricane Harvey now is housing,” stressed Turner, while detailing he has sent a letter to state officials asking them to “advance funding” of up to $200 million while the City waits for funds coming from the federal government.