When you meet Elio, the first thing you notice is his spark—his enthusiasm, optimism, and endless curiosity. But that light hasn’t always been so bright. Elio grew up in an abusive home, where he and his younger sister endured years of physical and emotional harm. When Elio was nine, they moved in with their father […]
Meet Elio: A Story of Courage, Resilience, and Joy 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 »
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 »
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
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 »
On July 24, 2025, the Trump administration issued an executive order on homelessness and mental health treatment, an action which raises serious concerns for those working on the front lines of housing and mental health. Among the directives are proposals that would expand the involuntary commitment of individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, substance use disorder,
Responding to the Executive Order on Homelessness: What the Evidence Really Says Read More »
