Houston Coalition for the Homeless Achieves 33K Housing Successes with 90 Percent Rate

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners held a Committee of the Whole meeting on August 28, 2025, focusing on strategies to address homelessness in the region. A significant portion of the discussion centered around the successful model implemented by the Coalition for the Homeless in Houston, Texas, which has effectively housed over 33,000 individuals since 2012, boasting a 90 percent success rate.

Key insights from the Houston coalition highlighted the importance of a broad-based coalition approach, combining permanent housing with supportive services such as case management, medical care, and substance abuse counseling. This integrated model has proven effective in reducing recidivism rates among the homeless population, emphasizing the need for close collaboration between housing and support services.

The meeting also referenced the coalition's data management system, known as HMIS, which is utilized to optimize resources and track progress. The coalition's success has attracted significant funding, including $59 million awarded by HUD in 2023, showcasing the potential for similar funding opportunities in DeKalb County.

Commissioners discussed the possibility of replicating Houston's model in DeKalb, noting the importance of establishing a coalition that can leverage both government grants and philanthropic support. The meeting concluded with a call to action for local leaders to come together and explore innovative solutions to homelessness, inspired by the Houston coalition's decade-long commitment to addressing this critical issue.

Overall, the discussions underscored the urgency of developing a comprehensive strategy to combat homelessness in DeKalb County, with a focus on collaboration and effective resource management.