GALVESTON, TX – A pilot program has been initiated in collaboration with the Galveston Police Department, Salvation Army and the Gulf Coast Center MHMR, designed to assist the Homeless Coalition on Galveston Island.
Coordinators of the Homeless Alternative Project are Galveston Chief of Police Charles Wiley, Salvation Army Major Elda Flores and Mike Winburn, Executive Director, Gulf Coast Center MHMR. 

The program will assist in identifying and providing alternatives that will reduce homelessness on the Island, provide necessary services, and improve the quality of life for clients and the community at large.

Goals of the Homeless Alternative Project are to improve communication and coordination between agencies, assist with identification of the homeless population, expand service options, and to educate the public about the continuing efforts of the coalition. The program will strive to attract clients away from activities that affect neighborhoods in a less than constructive manner, and to assist the Salvation Army in their move to a new location.

To meet program goals, Mental Health Case managers will ride certain shifts and targeted areas of the city with police officers to assist in identifying and assessing individuals, as well as encourage participation in day programs designed to train, educate and improve their quality of life. Regular meetings are scheduled between agency leaders to monitor the progress of activities and to explore additional living options and rentals for clients.

Program partners will develop employment assistance for the program, develop and assist in the development of programs, training and educational opportunities that attract clients to the Salvation Army facility in a constructive and meaningful way, and explore additional funding sources for the Salvation Army. The public will be informed on the progress of the program through the local media.