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 »
In Oklahoma, hundreds of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness live in places most of us overlook: under bridges, in encampments, or even on a bus bench. For these neighbors, access to health care often feels impossible. But at Mental Health Association Oklahoma (MHAOK), we believe that health care is a human right, no matter where you
Relentless Compassion: How Street Medicine Helped Mr. P Find His Way Home Read More »
Over 48,000 evictions were filed in Oklahoma in 2024. Whether or not these cases resulted in displacement, the harm begins the moment an eviction is filed. Evictions aren’t just legal proceedings—they are traumatic events with lasting consequences. Workers who experience an eviction are 22% more likely to lose their jobs. In the year following an
When Suffering Becomes Policy: Oklahoma’s Eviction Crisis Read More »
Nonprofits that focus on permanent supportive housing (PSH) programs play a pivotal role in addressing homelessness and housing instability, especially in states like Oklahoma, where affordable housing is in short supply, and eviction rates are alarmingly high. As an indicator of success, housing stability rate is a critical element of PSH programs. It tells us
Skeeter’s story is about determination, resilience, and the power of second chances. Having faced the challenge of homelessness compounded by substance use, Skeeter’s journey had been a tumultuous one. Previous attempts at housing were unsuccessful, primarily due to the complexities of his substance use. However, Skeeter’s life turned positive when he joined our housing program
From homelessness to housing to a valued MHAOK employee Read More »
