As Tulsa braces for a blast of extreme cold starting this weekend, the city is taking definitive action to ensure the safety and warmth of its residents, particularly those without homes. According to a press release from the City of Tulsa, emergency shelters and drop-in warming stations are now open, giving those in need spaces to escape the frigid weather expected from Saturday, Jan. 18, through the early part of next week.
Despite low chances of winter precipitation, the city has laid plans to manage any unexpected weather events. City of Tulsa's snow and ice routes, and resources for treating the roads, can be found online for those seeking more information. For those out in the cold, several warming stations are available, details of which are updated on Housing Solutions' Winter Weather Information page.
Among the emergency shelter locations opening their doors are the Salvation Army at 102 N. Denver Ave, the Tulsa Day Center at 415 W. Archer St which allows pets but has limited capacity, the John 3:16 Mission at 506 N. Cheyenne Ave, and Youth Services of Tulsa at 311 S. Madison Ave. These facilities are coordinating with organizations such as Housing Solutions Tulsa and A Way Home for Tulsa agencies to mobilize resources in this time of severe weather, as reported by the City of Tulsa.
Other facilities include The Merchant at 605 S. Peoria, the Denver Ave. Station at 319 S. Denver Ave., and The Station at Youth Services, not to forget Iron Gate and The Ministry Center offering temporary respite from the cold. If encountering someone unhoused and in need of help, Tulsans are urged to call 911 for emergencies and can request outreach assistance through an online form for non-emergent concerns, a process managed by Housing Solutions, as stated by the City of Tulsa.
Community members can provide support by donating essential winter gear such as warm blankets, hats, gloves, and socks at Tulsa Day Center, or by giving monetary contributions to local shelters. These acts of solidarity provide much-needed help, ensuring quick and flexible support for those exposed to the bitter chill of winter's unforgiving reality.
