HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Residents in northwest Houston reached out to ABC13, concerned about what they believe is a rise in homelessness along White Oak Bayou near Watonga Blvd.

It's happening while Mayor John Whitmire has been pushing for change, calling homelessness one of his top priorities.

"Houston, this is not happening in my city," said Alma Thompson, who lives nearby.

She worries about safety, both criminal and environmental, as trash continues to pile up.

"Water cannot flow through trash. Water cannot flow through Styrofoam," she said.

According to the nonprofit Coalition for the Homeless, 3,280 people in Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery Counties were homeless during last year's count.

The nonprofit's report says 34% of them are living on the streets, outside of shelters.

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