Responding to the growing concerns of Fort Worth business owners highlighted in the Chamber's Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) surveys, the Fort Worth Chamber has launched a Homelessness Task Force to develop a comprehensive toolkit to help businesses effectively navigate this pressing issue.
The toolkit, set to be released in January 2025, will equip business owners and team members with effective strategies to mitigate the impact of homelessness on their operations. It will address common scenarios such as:
The toolkit will include various resources, including clear, actionable steps for de-escalating and addressing these situations, along with informative guides that can be placed in break rooms for staff reference. Additionally, the toolkit will compile resources available from the City of Fort Worth, local non-profits, and other service providers to further assist businesses in their efforts.
Recent data from the Chamber's BRE surveys highlights homelessness as a top concern for businesses, particularly among small businesses, where it ranks as the current primary challenge. 65% of 420 surveyed businesses identifying it as impacting their daily operations in 2023.
As Mia Moss, chair of the task force and a Fort Worth entrepreneur, states:“We have an outstanding task force composed of experts who are highly qualified to support our efforts in delivering a comprehensive toolkit for business owners. Representatives from Downtown Fort Worth Inc., Camp Bowie District, Partnership Home, and several local business owners are actively contributing to ensure this toolkit not only minimizes the impact of homelessness on businesses but also respects the dignity of individuals experiencing homelessness across our community.”
By fostering collaboration and aligning resources, the Chamber aims to create a stronger business climate that supports local businesses and enhances economic prosperity for all. Initiatives like the Homelessness Task Force and the upcoming toolkit will help build a more resilient community, ensuring that every business has the resources it needs to thrive in Fort Worth.
