There is much discussion at the State Capitol this session about education, both student attendance and literacy outcomes. These are critical conversations, as Oklahoma is currently ranked 50th in the nation in education. But a critical factor is keeping students from attending school and affecting their ability to concentrate and learn while they are there—housing […]
When local, national, or global events dominate the news cycle, it’s natural for children to have questions, and for parents and caregivers to feel unsure about how much to share. While our instinct may be to shield children from stressful information, thoughtful, age-appropriate conversations can help them feel safe, supported, and better able to cope.
What to Say to Your Children During Times of Stress, Violence, and Uncertainty Read More »
Every year, the Oklahoma State Legislature makes decisions that directly affect our neighbors and communities—decisions about landlord and tenant laws, funding for mental health services, how Oklahoma responds to homelessness, and more. These decisions are often complex and are sometimes made with limited information. Unlike many other states, Oklahoma does not include public testimony as
Your Voice Matters: Advocacy Training for Individuals with Lived Experience Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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
