CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The homeless population is a topic that spurred many discussions regarding resources and services throughout the city.
The City of Corpus Christi has reduced three positions that act as a liaison between the homeless community and agencies that are meant to help them.
John frequents the Loaves and Fishes building to get his nutritious meal. He said that while he knows life can happen, there isn't that much of a difference between him and anyone else.
"You guys can be homeless to man, it doesn't take much," he said.
John told 3NEWS that he was disappointed when he heard that one of the city employees who specialized in outreach for the homeless population was moved to a different department.
"She was really helping us," he said.
Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni said that while that current role no longer exists, the employees are still with the city. The job consisted of three positions that focused on homelessness and affordable housing. The goal of those positions was to help bridge a gap.
"Those are the providers that have the financial means and the infrastructure and the staffing to provide services, so our role is to link all those together," he said.
3NEWS reached out to The Good Samaritan, who said that while openings can fluctuate, they do often find themselves one-to-two beds short of being at maximum capacity.
Michael, another community member who frequents Loaves and Fishes, said that having a roof over your head is not always a guarantee.
"We don't have a place to stay cause there's nowhere to stay," he said. "And the places that we do stay we get taken to jail for."
Corpus Christi Assistant Police Chief Mark Schauer said that residents who struggle with homelessness can reach out to CCPD's homeless resource officer.
"So his only job was to work with the homeless, get to know them, but not make arrests," he said.
Shauer said the role helps to re-establish trust with the community and hopefully, put a face to the name.
"Try and get them resources here locally, but to get to know them by first name, so when you see them, keep after them, continuously encourage them and get them pushed in the right direction," he said.