Tension Between Housed and Unhoused Neighbors Rises Outside the Beacon

A few weeks ago, a glowing op-ed appeared in the LA Times: “What Can Houston Teach Los Angeles About Solving Homelessness?” This article referenced the way Houston has more-than-halved its homeless population in the past decade and hailed it as a national model. Now, as Houston seeks to eradicate homelessness entirely, The Beacon – a nonprofit organization serving the Houston homeless community – has transformed into a gathering spot for those in need. Because the homeless often wait outside the building during off hours and sleep on the sidewalks, huddling close to their belongings, a tension has sparked amongst residents from the neighborhood and the homeless who suddenly feel harassed. The police are now involved, and they've intensified their presence recently, and now, they're writing citations – even making arrests whenever they see fit.

Rebecca Schuetz – Houston Chronicle writer covering homelessness – speaks with Lisa about the status of the homeless population filling that curbside, and what hopes they may have through Houston’s heralded housing program to finally make it off the streets and into a real home.

You can read Rebecca's piece on The Beacon here: Frustration Mounts Over Houston Rules on Sitting

...and the op-ed that appeared in the LA Times that praised Houston's efforts: What Could Houston Teach Los Angeles About Curbing Homelessness?

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