Homeless outreach team
About Us
The Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) was implemented in October 2015 with two deputies. In 2019, HOT grew to one supervisor and six deputies. In 2020, the unit grew to 10 deputies and one supervisor. Each patrol district has a two-person team assigned to it. Additionally, one deputy and a case manager from The Harris Center for Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disability work in the downtown business district.
Collaboration
HOT collaborates with public and private entities outreach programs to locate, engage, and assist persons experiencing homelessness.
Assistance
HOT helps individuals experiencing homelessness with housing, health care, nutrition, bus fare, and obtaining Social Security benefits.
Enforcement
HOT also responds to citizen concerns including trespassing, loitering, soliciting in the roadways, and illegal encampments.
HOW HOT PERFORMED IN 2020
Calls for Service
Homeless Contacts
Aid Items Provided
Individuals Housed
Homelessness in Harris County
Annual Costs
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%.
Percentage with severe mental illness
Homelessness and Mental Illness
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.)
Annual costper person
One of the most difficult things to give away is kindness. It usually finds its way back to you.
