Drop-In Centers

Where Peers Become Friends

In Tulsa and Oklahoma City we operate peer-run drop-in centers that offer a family and supportive atmosphere for adults experiencing the challenges of homelessness and mental illness.

At both our Tulsa location, Denver House, and our Oklahoma City center, Lottie House, all staff members have experienced the difficulties of living with a mental illness in their own lives, giving them the ability to truly empathize with participants.

All services are nonclinical and voluntary. We empower participants to pursue their own recovery to rebuild their lives through participant-run programs and the friendship, support, and understanding of peers.

Who can participate?

A peer-run drop-in center operates from a “no wrong door” philosophy. Anyone 18 or older who comes through the door can participate as long as they are sober and respectful of others. A drop-in center is a place where participants can socialize, relax and participate in their own growth and development. We help those we serve become more socially active and effectively progress on their road to recovery while building strong and supportive relationships within their communities.

A drop-in center is a place where participants can socialize, relax and participate in their own growth and development. We help people we serve become more socially active and effectively progress on their road to recovery while building strong and supportive relationships within their communities.

Provided Services

Drop-in centers offer a variety of services, including facilitated educational and social groups. One of the major goals is to help promote self-determination in our participants, so they can take control of their recovery.

Groups offer participants the opportunity to learn valuable life skills through focusing on topics, such as self-esteem, socialization, recovery from drugs and alcohol use, managing mental illness, accessing community resources, and living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), among others. Because some participants are experiencing homelessness, many of them require assistance meeting basic needs. These individuals may not know how to access critical resources in the community and they often lack a voice to advocate for them.

Staff members provide case management for participants seeking housing, jobs, resume assistance, health and mental health screenings, and more.

The Power of Socialization

Socialization is a vital component of a drop-in center. It is common for individuals experiencing mental illness to isolate, which often worsens their emotional state. Spending time with other people in a social setting is an effective way to reduce depression and other negative mental health symptoms.

To help people connect socially, we offer cookouts, bingo, karaoke, board games, music, holiday parties, and other fun activities and events. We also serve as a respite for people who need a safe place to relax and rejuvenate.

Participants often need a place to get organized around finding work, housing, mental health screenings, and other services. To help participants fulfill their needs, we provide access to clothing, computers, television, telephones, legal aid, vocational aid, housing, and other important resources. Drop-in center participants are often referred to other programs for further aid, support, and socialization.

Many participants have found housing and jobs. They have also found a safe, empowering place where they can learn how to take control of their lives through self-determination.

Check out the many ways you can get involved!

Lottie House Schedule