HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The City of Houston is working to open a “superhub” for the homeless in east downtown.
On Monday, the City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department Director Mike Nichols and Public Safety Director Larry Satterwhite presented a plan to Houston City Council’s Quality of Life Committee to purchase and transform a site next to Shell Stadium into a no-barrier shelter.
The site, 419 Emancipation Avenue, previously served as a homeless shelter. Most recently, it was leased as a shelter for migrant children. Nichols said the site is appealing because it already has most of the infrastructure needed to run such an operation.
The city plans to purchase the site for $16 million. The council will vote to authorize the purchase next Wednesday. If approved, officials hope to have the shelter up and running within the first quarter of 2026.
Nichols said the city currently has a few shelter beds for single men. He said no one will be turned away from the shelter, including the pets and partners of those seeking help. He said the shelter “is going to be tailored for the most acute needs” – equipped to assist those with severe substance abuse and mental illness. Those who stay at the shelter will be connected with community partners for assistance. The shelter will accept walk-ups.
ABC13 spoke with 49-year-old Corwan Kelley, who said he believes, “It would be a good place to stabilize people, and better their lives, go in a different direction and better themselves.”
Kelley told ABC13 he has been homeless for several months after his recent release from jail for drug possession. He said he has struggled to secure permanent housing with his record.
District I Council Member Joaquin Martinez declined ABC13’s request for an interview on the topic on Tuesday.
Satterwhite told council members that residents of the surrounding neighborhood have raised safety concerns. He said the facility will have a robust security and Houston police presence, in addition to a surveillance system.
“That is our assurance to the general public – that this is a facility that’s helping people and not bringing the area down,” Satterwhite said.
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