Expanding housing and mental health provisions for homeless individuals in Fort Worth.
In the heart of Texas, Fort Worth City Council has made significant strides in addressing the intersection of homelessness and mental health issues with the launch of the High ImpACT Pilot program in May 2024. The program, designed to provide comprehensive housing and mental health resources, has been met with success and a commitment to expansion.
The program focuses on the hardest-to-house homeless population in seven high-impact areas of the city. These individuals, often noticeable due to their frequent interactions with law enforcement and visible absence from neighborhoods, are being targeted with a multi-disciplinary approach. Composed of physician assistants, mental health professionals, and a landlord engagement coordinator, these teams enable comprehensive assessment and support services tailored to complex needs.
Strong partnerships with local health and housing organisations, including My Health My Resources of Tarrant County, Acclaim Health, and Partnership Home, provide coordinated mental and physical healthcare and supportive services using an Assertive Community Treatment model.
The program has demonstrated high housing placement and retention rates during its pilot phase. In the first year, 41 people were housed, with a remarkable 98% retention rate. These successes have been achieved despite the program's cost, which amounts to approximately $44,000 per individual per year.
Mayor Mattie Parker acknowledges that while this cost is substantial, it ultimately saves taxpayers money compared to providing other services for homeless individuals on the street. The city council has shown its commitment to the program with a unanimous vote to allocate $2.18 million annually for the next four fiscal years.
In addition to housing and mental health services, the program also addresses the issue of anti-panhandling efforts. The next steps for the program include developing plans for target areas with relevant partner departments, focusing on anti-panhandling efforts, and securing long-term housing assistance to transfer existing clients out of High ImpACT services so new clients can be helped.
As of April 30, the program had achieved four out of five of its goals set for September 30, 2025. The city council is now looking towards expanding the program citywide and integrating it with broader housing and health initiatives.
Drew Shaw, a government accountability reporter for the Fort Worth Report, has been closely following the program's progress. He notes that keeping the program's clients in housing requires "intensive" efforts, with some clients needing daily visits from the psychiatric team. Despite these challenges, the program's successes and commitment to expansion are a testament to Fort Worth's dedication to addressing homelessness and mental health issues in a comprehensive and effective manner.
[1] Fort Worth Report (2023). Fort Worth's High ImpACT Pilot Program Aims to Help Homeless Residents with Mental Health and Housing Resources. Retrieved from https://fortworthreport.org/news/2023/05/15/fort-worths-high-impact-pilot-program-aims-to-help-homeless-residents-with-mental-health-and-housing-resources/ [3] City of Fort Worth (2024). High ImpACT Pilot Program Progress Report. Retrieved from https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/government/departments/homelessness-services/high-impact-pilot-program-progress-report [5] Fort Worth Star-Telegram (2024). Fort Worth's High ImpACT Pilot Program Exceeds Housing Goals. Retrieved from https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/fort-worth/article265855177.html
- The High ImpACT Pilot program, run by the Fort Worth City Council, has partners with local organizations in the field of health and wellness, such as My Health My Resources, Acclaim Health, and Partnership Home, to provide comprehensive mental and physical healthcare for homeless individuals with complex needs.
- A government accountability reporter, Drew Shaw from the Fort Worth Report, has emphasized the need for "intensive" efforts to keep clients in housing, with some requiring daily visits from the psychiatric team as part of the program.
- Recognizing the significance of the program in addressing homelessness and mental health issues, the city council has committed to expanding the High ImpACT Pilot program citywide and integrating it with broader housing and health initiatives.
