The City of Tulsa has launched its "Safe Move Tulsa" initiative, a program aimed at addressing street homelessness in the region. So far, 25 people from the Eagle's Nest Encampment have been placed into housing, with plans to assist more than 300 individuals over the next nine months. Mayor Nichols outlined the initiative as part of the city’s broader strategy to provide stable housing and support services for people experiencing homelessness.
According to the City of Tulsa's press release, the initiative is backed by a robust partnership between civil bodies, service providers, and local stakeholders such as businesses and philanthropic figures. "Safe Move Tulsa is one of the first times we’ve had every part of our community working from one playbook to move people from the street into stability," Mayor Nichols said. The funding for this extensive project includes a mix of public and private sources, with significant contributions from the Walmart Opioid Settlement SubFund, Pandemic Relief Recovery Fund, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, and private donations.
This initiative not only focuses on short-term rehousing but also provides long-term support for those transitioning from homelessness. Mark Smith, CEO of Housing Solutions, emphasized the role of resources and coordination, stating, "This launch brings investment from the City, private partners, and philanthropy that enables A Way Home for Tulsa to respond to unsheltered homelessness with the intensity and speed required. This investment will enable more than 300 people to transition to stable housing within the next nine months. That is the impact resources and coordination can achieve", as mentioned in the same City of Tulsa's press release. Safe Move Tulsa's approach is systematic, including tracking and preparing outreach teams, service surges, mobilizing housing support, and maintaining public spaces once individuals have been successfully rehoused.
The cooperative effort extends to the city's tribes as well, with the Muscogee Nation and River Parks being acknowledged for their support throughout the process. In addition, Tulsa's business community has come together under the Tulsa Leadership Council to address this challenge. “Members of the Tulsa Leadership Council are encouraged to see that Mayor Nichols is prioritizing solutions that include both enforcement of laws and ordinances as well as providing treatment for those who need it,” Tulsa Leadership Council spokesman Charlie Hannema said. The initiative also fulfills recommendations from the Clutch Consulting Group, calling for a significant investment to properly scale up the city's homeless services.
"Safe Move Tulsa" is part of a broader strategy to tackle homelessness, laid out by Mayor Nichols, who aims to eradicate homelessness in Tulsa by 2030. This strategy encompasses expanding shelter capacity, the establishment of an inclement weather shelter, decommissioning of encampments, and an eviction mitigation coalition. For those seeking further details on "Safe Move Tulsa" and the Mayor's plans to end homelessness, the City of Tulsa's website provides full information on these efforts.
