Title
Provide an update on initiatives addressing challenges with the unhoused population.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Councilmember Elizabeth Villafranca
BACKGROUND:
This agenda item is presented at the request of Councilmember Villafranca to provide an update to the City Council on the City's ongoing efforts to address the unhoused concerns.
The City Council and staff recognize the challenges the City of Farmers Branch faces regarding the unhoused population and use various resources to address them, particularly at the borders we share with the City of Dallas. However, the City of Farmers Branch cannot enforce its codes and regulations at the borders of our city. The City Management has been exploring different pathways to address these concerns through collaboration with the neighboring cities.
The City of Farmers Branch has long been committed to supporting residents in crisis through strong partnerships with local social service organizations, most notably Metrocrest Services. Through its social services contract with Metrocrest, the City provides funding for emergency rental and utility assistance, job placement programs, financial education, counseling, and healthcare access. Despite these sustained efforts, challenges related to individuals experiencing homelessness continue to persist and evolve in complexity, requiring a broader, coordinated regional strategy beyond the City's direct control.
In 2023 (May 2), City staff proposed adding a contract position dedicated to addressing unhoused concerns and coordinating outreach efforts. While that contract position was not established, the City Manager's Office, in collaboration with the Police, Parks, and Public Works Departments, has continued to manage this responsibility through a multi-departmental approach.
To effectively address these concerns with neighboring cities, the City of Farmers Branch initiated a partnership with the City of Dallas in February 2023 to explore shared strategies to address unho...
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