PORT ARTHUR, Texas — The City of Port Arthur is doubling down on their efforts to help people experiencing homelessness.
On Tuesday, Pastor Keith Richard laid out a plan to help offer transitional help for the people who really need it.
This has been a story 12News has been covering since December2023, when encampments across the city were in danger of being cleared, leaving people with nowhere else to go.
Pastor Richard's efforts have bought them time, but they are looking for a permanent solution.
"That we take the lead, as a city. Many many cities have come up with different proposals and whatever yada yada. Nothing has been done," said Pastor Richard.
Members of the New World Harvest Church came to city hall with papers in hand that detailed the lack of resources available for the growing unhoused community.
"We don't mean to cause trouble, we clean up after ourselves and, you know, we just want and are asking for a bit of help," said Chris Williams, a resident of the encampment.
Pastor Richard has been hands on with the community offering support where he can with his ministry. But now he's urging the city to step up.
"We know the council has funding about a million dollars with whatever they can... the rest we can look for sponsors to help reach our goal," Pastor Richard said.
He wants to lease land that the city owns. There, people would be able to camp without fear and have a chance to get on their feet.
"Where the city could provide some property where they could tend to and they won't be harassed or bothered. Maybe get a facility there, to be able to shower and wash clothes. We could also offer council," he said.
Pastor Richard said his plan for the sanctioned camp would also include monitoring. It would cost around $300,000 to operate the camp.
Council members shared that their next steps are to resurrect their homeless coalition.
"If they are open to cooperation and coordination, we can work alongside the other agencies it can be tackled," said Port Arthur City Manager Ron Burton.
The city council said they are adding the agenda item of prioritizing the homeless coalition onto the next meeting.
Pastor Richard says he hopes it doesn't loose steam.