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 »
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 »
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 »
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
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
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 (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 »
At Mental Health Association Oklahoma (MHAOK), a cornerstone of our mission is to provide clean, safe, and affordable housing for individuals and families in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Today, MHAOK owns and manages more than 1,300 rental units—about a quarter of which are home to people engaged in our programming. Thanks to a generous grant
A Fresh Start: Charan Apartments Renovated to Support Housing Stability in Tulsa Read More »
Last week, Governor Stitt announced Operation SAFE (Swift Action for Families Everywhere)—a new initiative aimed at Tulsa’s unhoused population. The plan enacts 64 OK Stat § 1097, a statute created through the passage of State Bill 1854 in 2024, which restricts camping on state-owned land. Through Operation SAFE, Oklahoma Highway Patrol officers will issue warnings
Housing, Not Handcuffs: A Call to Rethink ‘Operation SAFE’ Read More »
As a street outreach and housing service provider in the Tulsa area, we are extremely concerned by Governor Stitt’s “Operation SAFE” program that does nothing to address the root cause of homelessness. Each day, our outreach teams engage with Oklahomans experiencing homelessness and work tirelessly to get them into housing, connected with healthcare, and find
Statement from CEO, Carrie Blumert, on Operation SAFE Read More »
