CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Shelters aren't the only place you'll find the city's homeless. A popular hangout spot is the area of Crosstown and Agnes. There are several businesses around there and some of the workers gave KRIS 6 their take on the homeless issue and the city's effort to deal with it.
Soon, the city will have a new homeless liaison, and will help bring resources together where they're needed most.
People, like Ingrid Barrios who work near the intersection, deal with the homeless on a daily basis. She likes the city's plans to address the homeless issue, but in the meantime, she's done what she can to help those in need.
"It breaks my heart to see so many people in this situation," said Barrios.
Barrios works at Greenwood Architectural Doors & Cantera, which sits at the Crosstown-Agnes intersection. It provides a front-row seat to the area where the homeless hang out.
"People do tend to sleep there," said Barrios. "Or sometimes we find odd objects like razors or clothing, even."
Barrios has helped the homeless by giving them food or small jobs. But when the homeless do need a bite to eat, they often go to the Stripes convenience store right down the road, which is open 24 hours.
Across from that Stripes, is LJA Auto Service, where Fernando Fragoso is the owner.
"It's dangerous," said Fragoso. "They're there anytime. In the morning, in the afternoon, at night."
These employees are now just hoping that any help they can offer, or the city can offer, makes a difference in these people's lives.
"At least we're putting in our grain of sand and just taking it day by day," said Barrios.
"Start doing things to help them," said Fragoso. "It's going be good for them and for us too."
The owner of Galvan Ballroom says he also helps the homeless by letting them use the bathroom or offering them small jobs like washing windows when they need it.
Several groups also go out to the Crosstown-Agnes intersection regularly to help feed the homeless.
The new homeless liaison is expected to begin work on Oct. 1.
