City

Fort Worth pilot program seeks to help those experiencing homelessness

The recently-approved, high-impact pilot program will bring additional mental health and housing resources to seven local areas.

March 21, 2024 • 
Brianna Williams
A river at dusk in front of a park with a sidewalk running through it and several green trees. In the background are several tall buildings, two of which are reflected in the river.

On Tuesday, March 19, City Council approved a $1 million+ contract with My Health My Resources of Tarrant County for the pilot program.

Photo via @cityoffortworth

A new pilot program that seeks to help those experiencing homelessness will soon begin in seven local areas.

After City Council’s recent approval of a $1.2 million contract with My Health My Resources of Tarrant County, the program is set to begin on Wednesday, May 1 and last five months, with a plan to request more funding in FY2025 for another 12 months.

Seven identified areas

  • Camp Bowie West/Las Vegas Trail
  • Seminary/La Gran Plaza/Hemphill
  • Downtown
  • Near Southside
  • Historic Southside/Near Eastside
  • Beach Street intersections (from E. Lancaster to N. Tarrant Parkway)
  • Northside/Stockyards
A map dotted with seven pushpin icons, showcasing the seven target areas of the pilot program.

The pilot program will begin tackling homelessness in these seven target areas.

Screenshot via Proxi Maps

What will the program do?

  • Local organizations — including street outreach teams, neighborhood police officers, and the city’s Homeless Outreach Program & Enforcement team — will refer individuals who have been reported in an area for more than two years or are suspected of having severe mental illness to housing assistance and services and/or a new community mental health resource.
  • The program will offer housing assistance for up to 40 people, leverage existing housing vouchers, and provide case management.
  • The Housing First Assertive Community Treatment Team will provide deeper aid to people in need of more in-depth housing and mental health help.

Next steps

The program will be judged on whether or not at least 70% of people helped enter housing within six months.

After the 17-month pilot ends, the team will gather data to determine if the program should continue, end, or expand to new areas around the city.