HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0003) IR 22-002 - Distribution of Food and Clothing.East Lancaster AvenueINFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 22-002
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council January 4, 2022
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SUBJECT: DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD AND CLOTHING ALONG EAST
rrA LANCASTER AVENUE
On November 16, 2021, we issued Informal Report (IR) 21-10706 regarding homeless camp abatement and
cleanup. This IR mentioned that 20 to 25 percent of the debris collected in these cleanups is attributed to
the over -distribution of tents, sleeping bags, blankets, clothes, shoes, and food from the public. In response
to that IR, Council requested additional information on efforts to educate the public on the most effective
ways to assist those experiencing homelessness and the names of organizations providing food and other
goods on East Lancaster.
The Code Compliance Department's Consumer Health Unit, the Fort Worth Police Department's HOPE
Team, and Directions Home unit have all made efforts to educate the public about the most effective ways
to help our homeless population. Examples of education include the following:
- Providing information about existing resources (meals and services)
- Providing examples and contact information about better ways to serve (i.e., creation of
welcome baskets for the newly housed and volunteering at permanent supportive housing
projects)
Connecting with the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition
Often individuals and groups see people experiencing homelessness and want to help and the response is
often food and other necessities. TCHC can inform individuals and groups about existing resources and
how to access the current system without duplicating services. Many individuals and groups have
connected with existing resources (e.g., Union Gospel Mission, Presbyterian Night Shelter, and the
Salvation Army) to assist those organizations with food and goods without contributing to litter along the
East Lancaster corridor.
C1eanUP USA began ministry in 2020 on the streets surrounding East Lancaster and was assisted by City
officials in collaborating with TCHC. The organization has explored improving collaboration efforts and
more efficient utilization of resources. C1eanUp USA now offers regularly scheduled services at Casa de
Esperanza. TCHC suggestions appear here: https://ahomewithhope.org/_ig ve/.
Tracking organizations that repeatedly engage in street feeding has been difficult for several reasons: the
groups and individuals come and go, some are not from Fort Worth, and many decline to provide their
organization's name. One group that has been urged by Code Compliance multiple times to participate in
other ways is Under the Bridge Ministries.
For more information, please contact Directions Home Manager Tara Perez at
Tara.Perezgfortworthtexas.gov or Code Director Brandon Bennett at
Brandon. B ennettkfortworthtexas. gov.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER
FORT WORTH, TEXAS