The Houston Quality of Life Committee convened on July 28, 2025, to discuss several key items related to homelessness services in the city. The meeting began with a focus on referrals from the Coalition for the Homeless, emphasizing the committee's commitment to serving all individuals in need without restrictions.

During the session, council members from various offices were present, including those from Council Member Kamen, Jackson, and Davis. A notable discussion arose regarding the funding differences between the Wesley Community Center and Northwest Assistance Ministries. Questions were raised about the disparity in contract amounts, with Wesley's funding being significantly lower. Staff members were tasked with providing further clarification on the services offered by each organization.

The committee then moved on to Item 3d, which involved a fourth amendment to the subrecipient agreement with the Salvation Army. This amendment proposes to allocate $622,432.91 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for homelessness diversion services aimed at assisting individuals and families at risk of homelessness. The program is expected to support a minimum of 266 households and will include case management and tailored wrap-around services. The agreement's term will be extended until April 31, 2026, with plans to return to the committee for a new agreement before the expiration.

The Salvation Army has been a recipient of funding from the state of Houston since 2012, and recent compliance reviews indicated no findings or concerns. The executive director of supporting and program services, Robert Stutz, and the director of housing and navigation services, Kenneth Ekins, were present to address any questions regarding the proposed services.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to address homelessness in Houston through funding and service agreements, with a focus on ensuring that resources are effectively utilized before their expiration. The committee plans to continue monitoring these initiatives and will reconvene to discuss future agreements as needed.