Texas House Bill HB2887

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the establishment and expansion of community collaboratives by entities to provide services to and coordinate the care of persons who are homeless, persons with mental illness, and persons with substance abuse problems.

Impact

Under HB 2887, the Texas Department of State Health Services is authorized to issue grants that can amount up to $7.5 million for establishing or expanding community collaboratives. The entities receiving these grants are required to match the funding with private sources, ensuring a level of investment from the community. The bill stipulates that the collaboratives must become self-sustaining within seven years, thereby encouraging innovative solutions and efficient use of public funds. The development of necessary infrastructure and service provisions such as detoxification units, workforce training centers, and transitional housing are key components outlined in the bill.

Summary

House Bill 2887 aims to establish and expand community collaboratives to better coordinate services for individuals facing homelessness, mental illnesses, and substance abuse problems. The bill recognizes that these populations often require comprehensive support that integrates multiple services, and it provides a framework for various entities, including local governments and nonprofit organizations, to collaborate effectively. The primary intention is to harmonize efforts across different sectors to deliver robust and accessible care to vulnerable groups while encouraging community involvement and self-sustainability over time.

Contention

While the legislation has garnered substantial support due to its focus on the needs of marginalized individuals, there may be points of contention regarding funding allocation, community engagement, and the effectiveness of the collaboratives. Critics may raise concerns over the sustainability of such initiatives if adequate funding and resources are not secured. Additionally, ensuring that the collaboratives are accessible and responsive to the needs of the communities they serve will be critical in addressing any opposition. Elected officials and community leaders will likely engage in discussions regarding the best practices for implementing the bill’s provisions to maximize positive outcomes.

Implementation

The bill mandates regular evaluation of the collaboratives' performance through established outcome measures, such as employment rates and housing stability for those served. This approach aims to maintain accountability and drive continuous improvement. If a collaborative fails to meet its objectives, the bill allows the state to reduce or terminate funding, redistributing those resources to higher-performing initiatives. Overall, HB 2887 represents a significant commitment by the state to tackle the intertwined issues of homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse through targeted community actions.