BEAUMONT, Texas — Southeast Texas city leaders face difficult decisions as they deal with homeless encampments.
A recent Supreme Court ruling recently gave them the green light to tackle homelessness on public and now private properties.
Last week Beaumont approved new restrictions, and tomorrow the Port Arthur City Council will consider new regulations of their own.
All the while a new Beaumont group home has been preparing to handle an influx of those experiencing homelessness who will soon be forced to relocate.
Clifford Freeman is a resident of Landry's Group Homes in Beaumont. He's happy to have the support of nonprofits like Some Other Place.
"I'm battling cancer, epilepsy, and diabetes. With me not having any family out right now this has absolutely been a godsend," said Freeman.
House Director of Landry's Group Home Jerica Landry says that services like this are needed now more than ever.
"We currently have eight residents housed here. It's a big need in this community," said Landry.
Jerica opened the doors to Landry's Group Homes in June. She teamed up with Some Other place and Henry's Place to those in nee back on their feet.
"I can't do it by myself, it takes a great team of people," said Landry.
Landry says the home is a win-win for both those experiencing homelessness as well as city leaders who are trying to remove encampments.
"We take care of all the utilities, it's wi-fi-connected. We have transportation services. We make it affordable. The only thing they have to pay is their rent. It's anywhere between 700-800 dollars a month," said Landry.
As those experiencing homelessness face an uncertain future, Landry says she is glad to make her home, their home.
"They need housing, they need food they need clothing to mentally prepare for the world," said Landry "Without those resources there's no way we're given a second chance at life. There's no way."
Tomorrow Port Arthur City Council will consider appointing 14 people to the city's Coalition for Homeless Advisor Board.