David Shackelford urges McKinney officials to support new homeless shelter initiative

During the recent Collin County Commissioners Court meeting, a compelling call for action emerged regarding the urgent need for a homeless shelter in the area. David Shackelford, a local resident with extensive experience in social services, passionately urged the commissioners to consider allocating county property for the establishment of a shelter.

Shackelford, who has dedicated years to working with homeless populations, highlighted the lack of suitable facilities in the county. He pointed out that existing options, like the Samaritan Inn, are too restrictive to accommodate the majority of homeless individuals. "There are plenty of charities in place that could pick up the rest of the cost if they had a piece of property," he stated, emphasizing the potential for community collaboration.

His proposal included several key benefits of a new shelter, such as reducing criminal behavior and violence against staff, providing a safe space for individuals transitioning from jail, and alleviating the burden on individual cities. Shackelford noted that many cities are reluctant to host shelters, leading to a pressing need for a county-level solution.

The discussion underscored a significant community issue, with Shackelford asserting that "no single city should be burdened with that." He urged the commissioners to take a proactive role, suggesting that county officials could be involved in the shelter's governance to ensure accountability.

As the meeting concluded, the call for a dedicated homeless shelter resonated strongly, highlighting a critical gap in local services and the potential for collaborative solutions to address homelessness in Collin County. The commissioners now face the challenge of considering this proposal as they prepare for their upcoming budget workshop in August, where they will review expenses and forecast for the next year.