City of Houston is working to open a ‘SuperHub’ for the homeless near Shell Stadium

Houston, Texas (Ktrk) – The city of Houston is working to open a “super hub” for the homeless in East-Downtown.

On Monday, City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department Director Mike Nichols and Public Safety Director Larry Satterwhite presented a plan to Houston City Council’s Quality of Life Committee to purchase a site adjacent to Shell Stadium and transform it into a barrier-free shelter.

The site, 419 Emancipation Avenue, previously served as a homeless shelter. Recently it was rented out as a shelter for migrant children. Nichols said the site is attractive because it already has most of the infrastructure needed to run such an operation.

The city plans to purchase the site for $16 million. The council will vote to authorize the purchase next Wednesday. If approved, officials hope to have the shelter operating in the first quarter of 2026.

Nichols said the city currently has a few shelter beds for single men. He said no one will be turned away from the shelter, including the pets and partners of those seeking help. He said the shelter will be “adapted to meet the most immediate needs” – equipped to help people with serious substance abuse and mental illness. Those staying at the shelter will be connected to community partners for assistance. The shelter accepts walk-ups.

ABC13 spoke with 49-year-old Corwan Kelley, who said he believes, “It would be a good place to stabilize people and improve their lives, go in a different direction and better.”

Kelley told ABC13 he has been homeless for several months after his recent release from prison for drug charges. He said he has had difficulty securing permanent housing with his record.

District I Councilman Joaquin Martinez declined ABC13’s request for an interview on the subject on Tuesday.

Satterwhite told council members that residents of the surrounding neighborhood have raised safety concerns. He said the facility will have robust security and Houston police presence, in addition to a surveillance system.

“That’s our assurance to the general public — that this is a facility that helps people and doesn’t bring down the area,” Satterwhite said.

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