HOUSTON — East End residents and business owners are voicing concerns about the increase in homelessness in their community and many believe it's time for change.
They're calling for the expansion of the civility ordinance to address issues like loitering and improve safety in the area.
The East End is a predominantly Latino working-class community where families have lived for generations, but lately, many say they’ve noticed an increase in homelessness.
"Walk in fear of being assaulted, diminishing sense of safety in our community," Marybel Picazo said.
So, why the a rise in homelessness there?
According to the East End management district, there are two main reasons.
"One, the pushing of the population out of downtown midtown and relocation of the Greyhound terminal much too small given the volume of passengers," said Veronica Chapa Gorczynski, president of the East End district.
That's why residents are pushing to expand the civility ordinance in Magnolia Park.
This ordinance, which is already enforced in other neighborhoods, would give Houston police and other law enforcement more authority to ask individuals to leave.
"Any folks that are loitering laying camping along city right of way, the sidewalk specifically between the hours of 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., they would not be able to do that," said Councilmember Joaquin Martinez.
Although most residents and businesses are for it, some oppose it.
"We do not need to criminalize homelessness," said Robert Ruiz with the East End Management District.
Residents point out that they have trained mental health experts offering services to the homeless. They said this ordinance would simply be another tool to connect them with the help they need.
"There is like no way you can arrest your way out of this problem, or ticket your way out. We are trying every resource we can for not just the homeless but the community," Ruiz said.
During a city council meeting Wednesday, Mayor John Whitmire announced that the city will soon reveal plans to open a city-sponsored encampment for the unhoused.
"We are going to have a city-sponsored encampment that will be rolled out not this week by the housing and homeland security, where the homeless in public space is just not going to be acceptable," Whitmire said.
The mayor acknowledged the complexity of mental health issues involved and said he hopes collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies will help address the problem.
City council is set to vote on the ordinance next Wednesday.
