Houston City Council to vote on $16 million homeless shelter in east Downtown

The Houston City Council is expected to vote Tuesday morning on a proposed $16 million homeless shelter in East Downtown, a project that has sparked pushback from nearby residents.

The vote was originally scheduled for last week but was delayed after local opposition surfaced. Despite the concerns, Mayor John Whitmire told KPRC 2 he expects the measure to pass during today’s meeting.

On Monday, the mayor and other city leaders gave reporters a tour of the proposed facility on Emancipation Avenue. The shelter would include:

• 225 beds
• 24-hour security and patrols in the surrounding neighborhood
• On-site healthcare, psychiatric, and substance use treatment services
• Permanent housing programs aimed at helping individuals transition off the streets

City officials are calling it a “Superhub,” a central location designed to offer comprehensive care and reduce homelessness in Houston.

But not everyone is on board.

Residents in East Downtown have raised concerns about the city’s transparency throughout the planning process.

Many are worried about the shelter’s proximity to homes and schools, citing fears about safety, sanitation, and whether the facility will house individuals with severe mental illness or criminal histories.

If approved, the Superhub is expected to open in the first quarter of 2026.

Operating costs are estimated at $10 to $14 million annually, which the city says it hopes to fund through a combination of donations and community partnerships.

The council meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.