How many people experience homelessness in The Woodlands? A new task force will find out.

How many people are experiencing homelessness in The Woodlands?

That's what a new township task force will look to find out. The township's board of directors recently approved a new homelessness task force to quantify the "landscape of homelessness" in the township, identify existing resources in the community, coordinate with law enforcement to reduce encampments in certain areas and promote better access to services for those experiencing homelessness, according to its charter.

Some homelessness advocates worry that the task force will focus more on "shooing" those experiencing homelessness away rather than providing resources. Board member Cindy Heiser, who proposed the initiative, said compassion is a priority and that they will cooperate with both law enforcement and local nonprofits to tackle the issue. Read the full story here.

No solutions have been thought out yet, Heiser said. Instead, the task force will start by quantifying the number of people experiencing homelessness specifically in The Woodlands.

What do you think about the task force? Let me know at claire.partain@houstonchronicle.com.

Claire Partain, Suburban reporter producer

Claire.Partain@houstonchronicle.com

Growing Woodlands

Levi Palomino, 4, plays in the new Bear Branch Sprayground during the opening of the new feature at the park on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 in The Woodlands. The $1.5 million, 4,000-square foot splashpad is up to five times the size of The Woodlands' six existing splashpads, Parks and Recreation Director John McGowan said, adding that it features 36 animal and nature themed water features for residents to cool off in the Texas heat. The water park will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, starting March 1, through Oct. 31.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

Woodlands opens $1.5M 'destination splashpad,' at Bear Branch Park

Bear Branch Park's new "destination sprayground" debuted in The Woodlands Thursday as facilities open for spring. It is also working on a new park playground.

This rendering shows the design of the new veterans' memorial in Shenandoah. The $2.4 million project is part of a larger project to create a park at the Vision Park Pond.

Photo by: City Of Shenandoah

New $2.4M park memorial to honor Shenandoah, Tamina veterans

A new $2.4 million veterans' memorial is taking shape in Shenandoah, with city council getting its first look at the design that pays homage to all branches of the military.

Need to Know

Bus riders depart The Woodlands Express at the park and ride location near Gosling Road, Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2022, in The Woodlands.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

Township moves forward on Woodlands Express fare increase

Fares on The Woodlands Express to Houston will increase for the first time since 2016 as the township looks to cut costs and adjust to COVID ridership dips.

Openings and Closings

The polls are open for this year's primary election day today! Check out our Voting FAQ here.

Shout out

This year's James Beard Award semifinalists include the chefs behind Old Town Spring's Belly of the Beast. Check out our guide to eating from Houston's nominated chefs here.

One last thing …

Audrii Cunningham was laid to rest Saturday after a public visitation honoring her life at Livingston's First Baptist Church Saturday.

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Construction begins on new trail that could connect east, west Pearland

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Here's where you can learn more about the 2024 Texas primaries, Brazoria County races.

Happy Election Day!

If you haven't already, check out Houston Chronicle's 2024 Texas Primaries Voter Guide.

The guide includes national, state-wide and county election information including two Republican candidates running for Brazoria County Sheriff, L. 'Bo' Stallman and Richard Foreman.

What do think about this elections season? What characteristics do you look for before deciding to vote for a candidate? Let's chat!

Pooja Bhakta, Pearland reporter

pooja.bhakta@houstonchronicle.com

Growing Pearland

Pearland official and administrative offices are housed in the City Hall building at 3519 Liberty Dr. in Pearland Wednesday, June 28, 2023.

Photo by: Kirk Sides, Staff Photographer

Pearland hike and bike trail will connect east and west side

A new Pearland hike and bike trail is in the works that will eventually help connect the Shadow Creek Ranch trail to the Clear Creek Trail.

Need to Know

Dragon Bowl C, a new noodle bar in downtown Conroe, is seen, Tuesday, June 7, 2022. The restaurant is located between The Corner Pub and Shepherd's Barbeshop on Simonton Street. San Cheng and his family also owns Taste the Asian food truck which is at The Table at Madeley.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer

5 anime-inspired bars, restaurant and shops around Houston

Check out a bar that creates cocktails based on anime characters, a Dragon Ball Z themed restaurant and where to get anime collectibles.

Education

BARI, ITALY - APRIL 28: Bunches of bananas on April 28, 2022 in Bari, Italy. Spending on the local market to help the local economy and the environment

Photo by: Photo By Donato Fasano/Getty Images), Contributor / Getty Images

National School Breakfast Week underway in Texas feeding millions

Surf's Up with School Breakfast marks this year's theme.

Openings and Closings

528 Asian Bristro opened its doors last month in Friendswood offering sushi, shashimi and hot pots.

The restaurant located at 709 W Parkwood Avenue is open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. 7 days a week.

Shout out

The Friendswood Mustangs are ridings a 10-game winning streak after scoring 15 runs on Brnham and have beaten several other Class 6A opponents, landing them the first spot in this week's Houston Chronicle high school baseball rankings!

One last thing …

Spring Break is coming up! These gems in the Houston suburbs may be worth visiting for a staycation adventure.

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Justin Verlander to start season on IL as he recovers from shoulder issues

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Astros Alerts

Justin Verlander, durante la pretemporada de los Astros en el CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, en West Palm Beach, Florida.

Photo by: Karen Warren/Staff Photographer

Justin Verlander to start season on IL as he recovers from shoulder issues

Verlander is behind schedule this spring, but he has not encountered a setback, manager Joe Espada said.

Top Astros prospect tinkers with swing as he works toward the majors: Outfielder Jacob Melton, one of four minor leaguers with a 20-homer, 45-steal season in 2023, has been diligently honing his swing while working toward the majors.

Notice: You're receiving this update as part of our special coverage of the Astros. Follow the rest of our coverage by reading our latest stories and listening to the Dugout Download podcast.