Denton City Council is taking significant steps to address homelessness and encampments in the community, as discussed in their recent meeting on April 15, 2025. The council outlined a comprehensive approach that emphasizes coordination among various stakeholders, including city staff, nonprofit organizations, and community members.

The proposed strategy involves four key steps: identification of encampments, street outreach, enforcement when necessary, and cleanup. City officials highlighted the importance of active management in these areas to ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness receive the support they need. The city has partnered with nonprofit organizations like Giving Grace, which received $125,000 in funding to conduct outreach and connect individuals with housing solutions.

One of the main recommendations from the meeting is to streamline the reporting and management process for encampments. Previously, reports could go to different departments, leading to confusion and delays. Now, all reports will be centralized within the Community Services Department, allowing for more efficient coordination and response.

The council also discussed the need to improve tracking of encampments and the individuals involved. Currently, there is limited data on repeat encampments and the demographics of those affected. The city plans to implement a new tracking system to better understand the situation and tailor responses accordingly.

Additionally, the council is exploring ways to support private property owners dealing with encampments on their land. This includes providing technical assistance and potentially financial support for cleanup efforts, aiming to foster a collaborative approach rather than a punitive one.

While the council is optimistic about these initiatives, some members expressed concerns about the feasibility of a proposed seven-day timeline for cleanup after an encampment is identified. They emphasized the need for more historical data to set realistic goals.

Overall, the Denton City Council is committed to adopting a more proactive and humane approach to homelessness, focusing on collaboration and support for both individuals in need and property owners. The next steps will involve refining these strategies and ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned in their efforts to address this pressing issue in the community.