Speakers warn Houston civility ordinance changes could criminalize people experiencing homelessness

Several members of the public urged Houston City Council to reconsider proposed changes to a civility ordinance, saying enforcement could criminalize people who are unhoused and undermine outreach and housing efforts.

Dr. Mudik Alotra, a family physician who leads a street medicine team at Healthcare for the Homeless Houston, told the council that long-term trust-building is essential for persuading people on the street to accept housing. He described a patient he called “Kathy,” a woman in her 90s who recently agreed to visit an offered apartment only because of years of relationship-building, and said that any perceived threat of citation or arrest would have driven her away. “If Kathy had even perceived a threat of citation or arrest, I'm confident she would have fled,” Alotra said.

Resident John Nicks and faith leader Saba Blanding also spoke against the proposed changes, arguing they dehumanize or criminalize unhoused people. Nicks objected to provisions that would restrict personal belongings on sidewalks and said the measure “dehumanizes and criminalizes the homeless population in the city.” Blanding, speaking on behalf of Trinity Episcopal Church in Midtown, called the change “a tool to criminalize the unhoused.”

Proponents of formal enforcement have argued intentions include public safety and litter/obstruction reduction; the transcript recorded speakers urging council members instead to continue investing in outreach and street medicine strategies. Dr. Alotra specifically asked the council to “continue investing in the proven strategies that have brought Houston this far.”

No formal council vote or ordinance text was recorded in the provided transcript; the comments took place during the public-comment portion and several speakers asked council members to meet with them or staff for follow-up.