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 challenges make it harder for families to find and keep safe, stable housing.
Speak Up for Housing Stability. Use Your Voice Early & Often. Read More »
As part of our Early & Often series, we’re exploring how Oklahomans can make their voices heard before the next legislative session begins—and stay engaged as important bills move through the process. Reaching out to your state legislators early gives them time to understand what matters to you and your community. Your conversations can help
Speak Up for Mental Health. Use Your Voice Early & Often. Read More »
Oklahoma County continues to see a high number of eviction filings, putting thousands of households at risk of losing their homes. New data from the first nine months of 2026 reveals how quickly an eviction can escalate, how little past-due rent may trigger an eviction filing, and how barriers to legal representation can make it
Oklahoma County Eviction Data: Quarterly Update Read More »
For Oklahomans who care about improving outcomes for our neighbors, especially those experiencing homelessness or mental illness, recent news has been difficult to hear. Governor Stitt’s Operation SAFE continues to displace people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, raising concerns about whether people are being connected to the services and housing they need. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Department of
When Should You Contact Your Legislators? Early & Often. Read More »
Mental Health Association Oklahoma (MHAOK) welcomes Aaron Wilder, CFRE, as its Chief Development Officer, following an extensive search. Wilder brings more than 15 years of nonprofit experience, including fundraising, organizational strategy, community engagement, and team building. Before joining MHAOK, Wilder served as Director of Development at Sisu Youth Services in Oklahoma City, where he helped
Mental Health Association Oklahoma names Aaron Wilder as Chief Development Officer Read More »
Last week, Oklahoma lawmakers gathered at the State Capitol to explore the shortage of affordable housing. The need is significant. According to Oklahoma Policy Institute, Oklahoma is short more than 84,000 rental homes for extremely low-income households. Only 38 affordable and available homes exist for every 100 extremely low-income renter households. The interim study, authored
Housing Stability Cannot Be Addressed Through Homeownership Alone Read More »
In June 2025, Mental Health Association Oklahoma launched A Better Way in partnership with the City of Norman, recognizing a need for expanded services for people experiencing homelessness in the community. A Better Way is an established MHAOK program with a proven track record in Tulsa, offering people experiencing homelessness an alternative to panhandling while
A Better Way in Norman Needs Your Support Read More »
On Tuesday, June 16th, voters across Oklahoma will have the opportunity to gradually increase the state’s minimum wage through State Question 832. Mental Health Association Oklahoma (MHAOK) officially endorses SQ 832 and urges all Oklahomans to vote “yes.” As one of Oklahoma’s largest affordable housing providers, a frontline partner in both Oklahoma City’s Key to
MHAOK Endorses State Question 832 Read More »
Through a partnership with Dr. Jacob Dearmon and the Ronnie K. Irani Center for Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence at Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business, Mental Health Association Oklahoma has compiled and analyzed eviction data across Oklahoma County throughout 2025. In a state where publicly accessible data on eviction filings, outcomes, and patterns
Eviction in Oklahoma County: What the 2025 Data Reveals Read More »
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
