Change the Fort Worth, Texas Solution to Homelessness
Change the Fort Worth, Texas Solution to Homelessness
The Issue
THE ISSUE:
The Fort Worth solution to reduce homelessness has seen homelessness increasing.
In 2023, there was a record increase of 22% in homelessness in Fort Worth, Texas. In 2024, street homelessness has gone up 18%. The city’s solution, which has been tried for 16 years, and who knows how many tens to hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent to start reducing homelessness, has instead increased homelessness.
The City of Fort Worth has used Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) as their solution to chronic homelessness since at least 2008. PSH is no/low barrier housing, meaning that you can enter drug addicted and mentally ill, and you will not be asked about it or be required to address those issues with the wraparound addiction and counseling services. The theory is that because you are housed, your life will be better, and you will eventually want to accept the wraparound services. Regardless, you will have a forever home, no matter if you choose NOT to address your addiction, get a job, or do anything else to transform your life.
The laws regarding illegal camping, panhandling, loitering, littering, open drug use, defecating and urinating in public, trespassing, shoplifting, and other laws are NOT being enforced with accountability by the City of Fort Worth.
PETITION FOR CHANGE IN FORT WORTH’S SOLUTIONS TO HOMELESSNESS:
Residents are no longer willing to give the City of Fort Worth more time, money, and patience for the failed solution of Permanent Supportive Housing and for no consequences for laws being broken by the homeless who refuse to accept shelter and help. Our communities are in decline because of all the illegal camping and crime that comes with that, while the homeless on the streets are falling farther into despair and addiction, and sadly, some die on the streets.
Please, send the message that the Fort Worth City Council needs to design a plan to stop illegal camping. The Council can do this by enforcing the laws with accountability and zero tolerance for illegal camping. There are enough safe/clean shelter beds for everyone. Thank you for signing the petition.
459
The Issue
THE ISSUE:
The Fort Worth solution to reduce homelessness has seen homelessness increasing.
In 2023, there was a record increase of 22% in homelessness in Fort Worth, Texas. In 2024, street homelessness has gone up 18%. The city’s solution, which has been tried for 16 years, and who knows how many tens to hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent to start reducing homelessness, has instead increased homelessness.
The City of Fort Worth has used Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) as their solution to chronic homelessness since at least 2008. PSH is no/low barrier housing, meaning that you can enter drug addicted and mentally ill, and you will not be asked about it or be required to address those issues with the wraparound addiction and counseling services. The theory is that because you are housed, your life will be better, and you will eventually want to accept the wraparound services. Regardless, you will have a forever home, no matter if you choose NOT to address your addiction, get a job, or do anything else to transform your life.
The laws regarding illegal camping, panhandling, loitering, littering, open drug use, defecating and urinating in public, trespassing, shoplifting, and other laws are NOT being enforced with accountability by the City of Fort Worth.
PETITION FOR CHANGE IN FORT WORTH’S SOLUTIONS TO HOMELESSNESS:
Residents are no longer willing to give the City of Fort Worth more time, money, and patience for the failed solution of Permanent Supportive Housing and for no consequences for laws being broken by the homeless who refuse to accept shelter and help. Our communities are in decline because of all the illegal camping and crime that comes with that, while the homeless on the streets are falling farther into despair and addiction, and sadly, some die on the streets.
Please, send the message that the Fort Worth City Council needs to design a plan to stop illegal camping. The Council can do this by enforcing the laws with accountability and zero tolerance for illegal camping. There are enough safe/clean shelter beds for everyone. Thank you for signing the petition.
459
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Petition created on December 31, 2024