Stafford councilmembers and police described ongoing outreach to people living outdoors and discussed local resources and limits, emphasizing that no new enforcement policy or shelter was approved at the Jan. 15 meeting.

Council members thanked Stafford officers for welfare checks and described specific incidents where officers engaged with people sleeping at parks or in vehicles. Police said officers will offer services but cannot compel help; if a person refuses assistance and is not committing a crime, options are limited. Officers also said private property owners must request removal if street or parking‑lot camping occurs on non‑city property.

Officer Rainey, the Stafford Police Department’s homeless liaison, outlined the department’s outreach role and resources he keeps current. He said the department maintains a list of social‑service partners (including domestic violence shelters where addresses are not public for safety reasons), Fort Bend County referral portals and nonprofits that offer short‑term stays, but he noted Fort Bend County does not operate an overnight shelter for adult men. Officer Rainey said some people the department encounters decline offers of assistance or choose to remain where they are.

Council and police cautioned against criminalizing homelessness and noted the need for a coordinated outreach team if the city wishes to expand services; such teams usually combine police, EMS, social workers and mental‑health professionals. Several councilmembers suggested the city’s upcoming revenue workshop (Feb. 12) and community events as forums to brief businesses and residents and to gather input.

No formal action was taken. Council asked police to continue outreach, keep referral lists updated and report back to council if new local partnerships become feasible.

Speakers (attributed):
Officer Rainey — Stafford Police homeless liaison (described outreach resources and operational limits)
Chief Ramirez — Stafford Police (supported outreach, acknowledged officers’ work)
Council members — expressed interest in community‑based, noncriminal responses and suggested including the issue in the Feb. 12 community workshop

Clarifying details:
- Local shelter capacity: Fort Bend County does not offer a general male shelter; county resources and some private charities were listed as referral options.
- Outreach staff: Stafford PD has a designated homeless liaison (Officer Rainey) who updates resource lists and coordinates referrals; no new staff were authorized.
- Enforcement limits: Officers said they can act when a person presents a threat to self or others, or when private property owners request removal; otherwise outreach and offers of assistance are the standard response.

Ending: Council emphasized humane, coordinated outreach while avoiding criminalization; staff will continue to update council on resources and referrals and to coordinate with county and nonprofit partners.