Tulsa city officials are taking a decisive stand against homelessness with plans for a comprehensive Rehousing Program and the Safe Move Tulsa Initiative. At a recent Public Works Committee Meeting, leaders debated the allocation of $4,367,700 from funds including the Walmart Opioid Settlement SubFund and Pandemic Relief Recovery Fund, as reported by City of Tulsa's Press Room. These funds are earmarked for services ranging from health care to financial literacy and rental assistance. If given the green light in the August 20 Council meeting, they will be bolstered by ARPA dollars to a sum of $6 million.
According to Tulsa's Mayor Nichols, this plan is a crucial step towards eradicating homelessness in the city. "This announcement is a major step toward the goal of achieving functional zero homelessness, and this administration understands the severity of the issue and is acting aggressively," he explained as per the City of Tulsa. The initiative, slated to launch this fall, aims to provide ~300 individuals with an individualized Rehousing Plan, supported for up to a year. With homelessness pervasive in Tulsa; on any given day, 1,449 individuals are homeless, says the latest Point in Time (PIT) Count.
Addressing the chronic housing capacity crisis, Council Chair Phil Lakin, Jr. highlighted the inefficacy and cost of shelters compared to apartments. "Moving them into apartments is more ideal and will free up shelter space, so others don’t have to live on the streets," Lakin stated on City of Tulsa. These shifts should see individuals moving from encampments to shelters, and eventually into longer-term housing solutions.
The proposed Rehousing Plan offers a glimmer of hope in a city where affordable housing is scant and over 953 individuals/families in shelters are stuffed beyond capacity. Mark Smith, CEO for Housing Solutions Tulsa, endorsed the city's initiative, emphasizing the urgent need for such funds to clear rehousing bottlenecks. "Every day, the partners of A Way Home for Tulsa are helping people experiencing homelessness to reenter housing. These funds are critically needed to relieve bottlenecks to rehousing that leaves hundreds of people waiting for assistance and also providing the resources they need to remain housed permanently," he told City of Tulsa's Press Room.
Beyond the Rehousing Plan, the city has been formulating the Safe Move Tulsa Initiative, which will facilitate safe, coordinated outreach and support for those experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, efforts to establish a low barrier shelter and advance affordable housing through initiatives like fast-track permitting and pre-reviewed plans are underway. Despite the ongoing construction of a Transitional Living Facility, the city is set on meeting its goal of increasing affordable housing availability.
