Persons experiencing homelessness

HOT Deputies Gregory Temple and Ashley Schubert responding to a call at a homeless encampment.

Background

The Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) was implemented in October 2015 with two deputies. In 2019, HOT grew to one supervisor and six deputies.

A Year of Growth

In 2020, the unit grew to 10 deputies and a supervisor. Each patrol district now has a twoperson team assigned to it. Additionally, one deputy and a case manager from The Harris Center for Mental Health were added to the team to work in the downtown business district. These positions are paid for by the business district.

HOT’s Mission

HOT collaborates with public and private entities focusing on outreach programs to locate, engage, and assist persons experiencing homelessness with housing, health care, and nutrition needs. HOT also responds to citizen concerns including trespassing, loitering, soliciting in the roadways, and illegal encampments.

T H E C O S T O F H O M E L E S S N E S S I N H A R R I S C O U N T Y

 Annual costs of Harris County services for an individual experiencing homelessness totals $96k. Criminal justice accounts for 7% of this cost, mental health care 26%, health care and public health 36%, and community programs 31%. (Source: Harris County Commissioners Court’s Analyst’s Office.)

H O M E L E S S N E S S A N D M E N T A L I L L N E S S

 According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the percentage of individuals experiencing homelessness in the Harris County region counted in early 2019 who suffered from severe mental illness was 64%.

H O W H O T P E R F O R M E D I N 2 0 2 0

 Responded to 4091 calls for service

 Made 2243 homeless contacts

 Conducted 95 courtesy transports

 Housed 71 individuals

 Provided 2010 aid items

 Responded to 70 military veterans