In 2024, an estimated 10,081 people were counted as experiencing homelessness in the Texas Balance of State Continuum of Care (BoS CoC) region alone, which covers a significant portion of Texas. Of these, 63% were unsheltered, living in places not meant for habitation, while the remaining were in shelters or transitional housing​. 

Statewide, Texas has seen a steady rise in homelessness due to systemic issues like limited affordable housing and insufficient support systems. Nationwide data from 2023 showed over 650,000 people experiencing homelessness, a 12.1% increase from the previous year, with trends reflecting growing challenges across large states like Texas​. This increase highlights the need for systemic changes to address housing affordability, access to resources, and preventative measures against homelessness.

Behind each tent pitched under a freeway, every person sleeping on the cold concrete, or a child unsure of their next meal, lies a story of systemic failure. And let’s call a thing, a thing: these failures don’t stem from a lack of solutions but from a lack of accountability, action from our local governments, and pushing housing models that perpetuate the cycles of crime and poverty, and exacerbate homelessness.

Local officials have allowed people to fall through the cracks for far too long. Instead of addressing the root causes of homelessness—such as mental health, substance abuse, and poverty—they continue to shuffle responsibility, funding, and paperwork with little to no measurable impact. Millions of dollars are moved around annually to create “band-aid” solutions for what is undeniably a pandemic-sized crisis. Temporary shelters, including night-only shelters are offered instead of sufficient Supportive Permanent Housing and bridge shelters, which should be used to bridge the gap between homelessness and independent re-housing, while mental health and substance abuse programs remain underfunded and inaccessible.

What’s worse, "faith-based organizations"—though sometimes well-intentioned—are placing undue burdens on community citizens at risk. By imposing restrictions, unnecessary bureaucracy, and rigid conditions for assistance, they inadvertently make it even harder for people to get the help they desperately need. How can we claim to care for the most vulnerable when the very systems in place to protect them are riddled with inefficiencies and barriers?

This is a call for bold change and immediate action! We demand that local governments in Texas stop hiding behind excuses, stop chasing your tails attempting to revamp failed homelessness solutions, and start implementing real, enforceable mandates to tackle the root causes of homelessness. Mental health services, substance abuse programs, job training, safe, clean shelters, and affordable housing must be prioritized—not as afterthoughts, but as essential lifelines. The revolving door of temporary fixes, wasted taxpayer dollars, and misplaced funds must end.

We can no longer afford to accept complacency when lives are at stake. Every homeless person is a member of our community. Every systemic failure chips away at our shared humanity. By holding our governments accountable, we can create sustainable, long-term solutions that not only uplift those experiencing homelessness but also strengthen our entire community.

Sign this petition and join the fight to demand accountability, action, and justice. Let’s push for a Texas that leaves no one behind.