HOUSTON – The Houston City Council voted Wednesday to move forward with plans for a $16 million homeless “superhub” in the city’s East Downtown, a decision that’s being praised by city leaders but criticized by some residents who say they were left out of the process.

The building at 419 Emancipation Avenue, once home to the Star of Hope Women and Family Shelter, will be repurposed into a 24-hour, low-barrier shelter meant to connect people living on the streets with housing, health care and other services.

Mayor John Whitmire said the site will include a Houston Police Department substation with eight officers and one sergeant.

RELATED: Houston unveils plans for downtown ‘Front Door Superhub’ to tackle homelessness

“I can guarantee you we’re not going to fail,” Whitmire said during

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