Title
Informational Update on the Better Together Initiative, Specifically Related to the Initial Needs Assessment
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Goal 5: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
MEETING DATE: July 21, 2026
DEPARTMENT: Housing and Community Development
CONTACT: Margaret Li, Housing and Community Development Director
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
* Receive presentation.
ITEM SUMMARY:
* This work session item is to provide an informational update on the Better Together Initiative, specifically related to the Initial Needs Assessment.
* Over the last several weeks, the project team has conducted various listening sessions, feedback sessions, and an online public survey to gather input and insight on homelessness in McKinney.
* The initial needs assessment summarizes the key findings of this outreach and provides a snapshot of the existing conditions surrounding the multifaceted issues associated with homelessness.
* In particular, the initial needs assessment highlights the following:
o The 2026 Point in Time Count identified 240 sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals; which represents 0.10% of the city's total population (consistent over the last five years).
2026 Data
City of McKinney
Housing Forward
(Collin and Dallas Counties)
Sheltered Status
76% sheltered and 24% unsheltered
70% sheltered and 30% unsheltered
Type of Homelessness
8% identified as chronically homeless
(majority experiencing situational/transitional/episodic homelessness)
18% identified as chronically homeless
(majority experiencing situational/transitional/episodic homelessness)
Household Types
43% were households with children
20% were households with children
o Cross-session consensus among the different stakeholder groups included the need for more shelter and housing capacity in Collin County; better coordination among existing organizations; and the lack of public transportation as a key barrier.
o The key gaps in the existing systems identified...
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