Houston unveils plans for downtown ‘Front Door Superhub’ to tackle homelessness

The City of Houston has announced plans for its first “Front Door Superhub,” a centralized facility aimed at addressing homelessness with a comprehensive, all-in-one approach.

The innovative hub will offer shelter, healthcare, psychiatric services, and substance use and permanent housing programs under one roof — with a mission to transition individuals off the streets and into stable living.

A New Vision: Services and Shelter in One Place

The Superhub will be located in the old Star of Hope building in downtown Houston and is part of a joint effort between the City of Houston, Harris County, and the region’s homeless response system.

According to City Council Member Twila Carter (At-Large Position 3), the facility is designed to serve a wide range of needs with a focus on accessibility and dignity.

“The beauty of the facility is that it is designed to have multiple offices for different health care providers... whether it’s mental health, whether it’s substance abuse,” said Carter. “These non-profit organizations that are addressing street homelessness can be in one space.”

The hub will offer 150 to 225 public, temporary beds, including accommodations for both pets and families — a first for the city.

A Shift Away from Criminalization

Councilmember Carter emphasized that the goal is not just to house people, but to redirect them from the criminal justice system and into care-based solutions.

“You may approach someone who just has no ID, no place to live, no family... right next to someone with severe mental health issues. The ability to help both individuals in one location is key,” she explained.

Community Concerns on Safety and Resources

While many applaud the effort, some downtown residents have expressed safety concerns. The hub is designed with shared rooms housing 3 to 4 individuals — raising questions about who will be admitted.

Don Hooper, a downtown resident of 15 years, voiced caution:

“We just need to know who’s going to be housed there. I think it would be a dangerous situation if they’re letting very dangerous felons live there,” Hooper said. “We also need to be careful about people being dropped off from other cities.”

He worries that the Superhub could become a dumping ground for neighboring cities that don’t want to spend their own resources on homelessness.

City Response: Safety and Service for All

Councilmember Carter responded to concerns, promising that the city is taking security seriously and remains committed to helping everyone, regardless of where they come from.

“The city is committed to focusing on law enforcement and safety... but if someone drops a homeless person off, we’re going to help them — no matter where they come from,” she said.

What’s Next?

The Houston City Council will vote on the purchase of the building next Wednesday. If approved, the Superhub is expected to open by the first quarter of next year.

The Price Tag

The city and county have already committed $41 million toward the initiative, which is projected to cost $168 million over three years.