Tony Buzbee sleeps on Houston streets during Arctic storm, then returns to luxury hotel

Former mayoral candidate Tony Buzbee slept on the streets of downtown Houston Tuesday night to "prove a point and raise awareness," according to a video posted on his Facebook page. Buzbee, a trial lawyer, has been staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston since Jan. 11 while his home in River Oaks undergoes renovation. He previously took up residence at the Post Oak Hotel in December 2020. "I got run off twice from the Four Seasons," he said in a second video, which posted at midnight on Wednesday. "I was chased by another homeless person, since I'm homeless tonight."

In a third Facebook post on Wednesday morning, Buzbee said that he had only a sleeping bag, stick and hoodie for his night spent on the street: "I spent a night on the street last night, with only a sleeping bag and a stick. I had a hoodie, but no coat. It was only one night. It certainly wasn’t pleasant, but it was a learning experience. I can only imagine the mental, physical and emotional toll it would take on you to be out there day after day, night after night. It was cold, so I kept moving until I was absolutely sure I had found a place on the streets safe enough to lay down and sleep. But I didn’t feel safe. In fact, the whole time I felt the presence of constant threats, even small. I was asked to move along repeatedly. Funny, the same guy who was quick to help me with my bags the day before was even quicker to tell me to “move on” off the hotel property. There was kindness. I was implored a few times to go to the GRB warming station blocks away. I was followed by a guy waving a large white blanket once. Most people I happened to come across, though, ignored me and looked right through me, like I didn’t exist or matter. Home is a special place for us. Without one we lose that sense of security and comfort. When our leaders fail us and our home has no power, water, no communications, it loses those key features that make it home. I was only out for one night. Now I’m back, warm and safe. Others aren’t so lucky." He also said he "quickly learned not to be using a phone, lest you want to lose it!"