Added services for homeless

After almost two years of talking, researching and planning, Fort Worth is about ready to add another significant component to its services for the homeless.

Mayor Betsy Price announced last week that a new $10 million health clinic and resource center, paid for by the Fort Worth Foundation, will be built on East Lancaster Avenue. A new nonprofit organization created by the foundation will run the center, which will house hygiene services, office space for other homeless agencies, classrooms and lockers that homeless people can use to store belongings.

Medical services will be provided on the same property through a John Peter Smith clinic where 120 to 140 people a day can receive treatment, saving an enormous amount of money by eliminating costly trips to the hospital emergency room.

By coordinating this network of social services, the agencies working with those on the street can more effectively address the many issues that affect homeless people. The goal is to move them more quickly into permanent supportive housing.

Construction is to begin in June on the project, another sign that Fort Worth is serious about ending the cycle of homelessness.