What's Happening

During our last point and time count January 2007 we identified approximately 431 homeless individuals in Waco, Texas.  From the Homeless Subpopulations many of those homeless fell into one or all of the following categories:  70 individuals met the HUD definition of chronically homeless; 64 severely mentally ill; 98 chronic substance abuse; 42 Veterans; 1 person with HIV/AIDS; and 87 victims of domestic violence. 

Waco is very fortunate to have a strong faith based community who has worked for many years serving not only the homeless but the poor of this community.  One key we have learned is to use quality programs that staff well-trained persons with a passion for these individuals. And sometimes that is not enough.  These agencies have identified gaps and continue to voice their challenges.    This is a nation wide problem that is not going away on it’s on.  Gaps need to be bridged but it is a problem with a solution.

Based on studies done by Baylor University as well as research that we have seen, homelessness is a huge economic burden not only in Waco, but to cities across the nation.  These costs are not only affecting our hospitals but also our City and County government, as well.  Courts are tied up with the same mentally ill homeless individuals over and over again.  Jails are overcrowded and in some cases the most mentally ill individuals have nowhere to go. If this happens, they are kept in a deputy car for up to 4 hours with two officers until a bed opens up.  These same folks repeat the process over and over and cycle in an out of shelters, hospitals, and jails.

Currently, Waco has been selected as a pilot city by the Regional Interagency Council on Homelessness to help us implement the 10-Year Plan: Opening Doors, Unlocking Potential.  This group of federal agencies has met with members of the Community as well as City representatives on 2 separate occasions and have committed to helping us navigate through a complex process that will put our plan into action. 

We have also been approached by Mercy Housing who is well know in the community as well as the Permanent Supportive Housing community as one of the finest institutions with an excellent reputation in creating housing for this difficult population. Collaborations that have been dormant have recently come to the table through outreach and communication spun by relationships built during the last few years with the formation of the Heart of Texas Homeless Coalition.

As Waco begins to implement the improvements and beautification of our city, brought about by the recent bond elections, it seems like a wonderful time to take advantage of the knowledge and relationships that have been gained and to move forward with a plan designed by the community who currently serves those experiencing homelessness.  The plan includes solving the issue of chronic homelessness by providing the basic need of housing, utilizing and expanding the current support systems, and finally bridging many of the gaps that contribute to homelessness.

Updated February 2008