The Great Houston Homeless Headcount: Are We Counting Critters or Cot Dwellers?
Hey there, fellow Houstonians! Ever driven past that freeway exit and seen a, shall we say, interesting collection of furniture on the sidewalk? Or maybe you've seen someone with a shopping cart full of...well, life's necessities? Those, my friends, are our unhoused neighbors. But how many of them are there, exactly? Buckle up, because this is where things get interesting.
Gone Fishin', But Counting Folks: The Annual Homeless Count Shenanigans
Every year, a valiant group of volunteers embarks on a quest – not for El Dorado, but for an accurate count of Houston's homeless population. It's basically like a giant game of hide-and-seek, except instead of a screaming child and a desperate search for the living room couch, we have social workers and clipboards. Now, this ain't a walk in the park (or under the freeway overpass, if you will). There are folks living in all sorts of creative (and sometimes questionable) spots – abandoned buildings, behind dumpsters, you name it.
So, How Many Homeless Folks Are We Talking About, Anyway?
Hold onto your hats, because the number for 2023 is 3,270! That's way less than, say, the number of times I've gotten stuck in traffic on I-10 thanks to construction (seriously, Houston, what's the deal?). But here's the thing – that number only counts the folks we can actually find. There are bound to be some folks who are super good at hide-and-seek, or maybe just prefer their privacy. So, the real number is probably a little higher.
But hey, 3,270 is still a significant number! That's more people than can fit in, let's say, the entire NRG Stadium. Imagine a football game with everyone homeless – it would be...different.
Why Should You Care About This Homeless Headcount Hoopla?
Now, you might be thinking, "This homeless count is all well and good, but what does it mean for me?" Well, my friend, it means a lot! Knowing how many folks are homeless helps us figure out how to best support them. Shelters, food banks, job training programs – all these things rely on having a good idea of how many people need help.
Plus, it's just the good neighborly thing to do! We all want Houston to be a great place to live, and that includes everyone, even those who don't have a roof over their heads.
So, there you have it, folks! The not-so-secret world of the Houston homeless count. It may not be the most glamorous topic, but it's an important one. And hey, next time you see someone down on their luck, maybe offer a smile or a helping hand. You never know, it could make all the difference.
