Amy Coldren

New Data Shows Government Shutdown and SNAP Loss Drove Evictions in Oklahoma County

Leave a Comment / Advocacy, Eviction, Homelessness, Housing /

Sitting outside an Oklahoma County courtroom in mid-November, two mothers were on the brink of losing everything. They were roommates, raising seven children between them. A delay in a disability payment had caused them to fall behind on rent—an issue made far worse by the government shutdown. The support they relied on wasn’t there. Then, […]

New Data Shows Government Shutdown and SNAP Loss Drove Evictions in Oklahoma County Read More »

Be Heard: Urge Lawmakers to Protect Proven Solutions for Homelessness

Leave a Comment / Advocacy, Homelessness, Housing, Point in Time Count /

As we conclude our Early and Often series, we’re focusing on how your voice can ensure that Oklahomans experiencing homelessness have access to consistent, compassionate, and effective services that truly build stability, health, and hope. Misinformation about homelessness, and even about those working every day to address it, is spreading quickly. As state legislators prepare

Be Heard: Urge Lawmakers to Protect Proven Solutions for Homelessness Read More »

Speak Up for Mental Health: Why Early Advocacy Matters

Leave a Comment / Advocacy, Suicide, Youth Mental Health /

We are continuing our Early & Often series, highlighting why it’s so important to connect with your state legislators before the next legislative session begins.  These early conversations can help shape the bills your legislators choose to author, sponsor, and support, while improving outcomes for your neighbors and your community. Last week, we focused on

Speak Up for Mental Health: Why Early Advocacy Matters Read More »

Why Oklahoma’s Housing Crisis Needs Your Voice

Leave a Comment / Advocacy, Housing /

Oklahoma is at a critical crossroads. Across the state, we face a shortage of nearly 85,000 affordable and available rental homes for extremely low-income renters. At the same time, Oklahoma has one of the highest eviction rates in the nation. Together, these two realities create a volatile situation where too many families struggle to find

Why Oklahoma’s Housing Crisis Needs Your Voice Read More »

The Power of Partnership: Inside Oklahoma’s Interim Study on Homelessness

Leave a Comment / Advocacy, Homelessness, Housing, Point in Time Count, Street Outreach /

Legislators, nonprofit leaders, and law enforcement recently came together at the Oklahoma State Capitol for an interim study addressing homelessness in our state. Interim studies allow lawmakers to explore issues impacting Oklahomans by hearing directly from experts, service providers, advocates, and those with lived experience. They also offer an early look at potential legislation for

The Power of Partnership: Inside Oklahoma’s Interim Study on Homelessness Read More »

When Should You Contact Your State Legislators? Early & Often.

Leave a Comment / Advocacy /

For Oklahomans who care deeply about improving outcomes for our neighbors, especially those experiencing homelessness or mental illness, recent news has been hard to hear. The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services recently announced $40 million in cuts to service providers, ending nearly 300 contracts with organizations statewide. Just days later, Governor

When Should You Contact Your State Legislators? Early & Often. Read More »

Day Three of the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Confronting Poverty and Promoting Mental Health

Leave a Comment / Housing, Zarrow Symposium /

Today marked the third and final day of the 31st Annual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium. Fittingly, October 10 is both World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day—a reminder of how closely connected housing stability and mental health truly are. The day’s keynote speakers powerfully represented both issues. Community Impact: Poverty and Housing Stability The

Day Three of the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Confronting Poverty and Promoting Mental Health Read More »

Day Two of the 31st Annual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Global Perspectives on Mental Health

Leave a Comment / Zarrow Symposium /

Please note: This post discusses suicide and self-harm and may be distressing for some readers. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, you are not alone. Help is available through the U.S. national suicide and crisis helpline—call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org. Day Two of the 31st Annual Zarrow

Day Two of the 31st Annual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Global Perspectives on Mental Health Read More »

Day One Recap: The 31st Annual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium

Leave a Comment / Zarrow Symposium /

The 31st Annual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium is off to a powerful start. Wednesday’s attendees had the opportunity to choose from 20 breakout sessions covering a wide range of topics, from ethical responsibilities of clinical practice to innovative approaches in mental health care. The day’s highlight was the opening keynote from Dr. Christine Caldwell, a

Day One Recap: The 31st Annual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Read More »

Mental Health Association Oklahoma Welcomes Jimmy Farmer as Chief Housing Officer

Leave a Comment / Housing, Press Release /

Mental Health Association Oklahoma (MHAOK) is proud to welcome Jimmy Farmer as Chief Housing Officer, following a nationwide search. While new to Oklahoma, Jimmy brings over 20 years of leadership in public and affordable housing asset management, with a proven track record of transforming housing portfolios and strengthening communities. Before joining MHAOK, Jimmy served as

Mental Health Association Oklahoma Welcomes Jimmy Farmer as Chief Housing Officer Read More »