The time to act is now. ​

​

At City Care, we believe in the intrinsic value of every person. It is with love and compassion we advocate for the overlooked in our community. We provide food for the hungry, relief for the hurting, and hold space for the complete restoration of lives that have gotten off course. 

 

The past few weeks have been filled with confusion and uncertainty amidst executive orders and threats of a federal grants freeze that could severely impact our programs. While the executive order to pause federal funds has been rescinded, the work is far from over. In our own state, several key bills are being reviewed by Oklahoma lawmakers that could have devastating outcomes for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. As subject matter experts, we hope to be a trusted source that can cut through the noise, overwhelm, and constant bombardment of information to bring clarity and actionable steps to move us forward as a community. Below is a summary of what’s happening now, why it matters, and what you can do about it. As these bills move through committees, they continue to evolve based on discussions and input from lawmakers. We will closely monitor these changes and do our best to update the information below with the most current revisions.

​

1. Senate Bill 484 (SB484) *recently updated* - New Limits on Shelters for Unhoused Residents in Smaller Cities 

 

What it means: Senate Bill 484 would make it more challenging to provide new shelters for people experiencing homelessness in cities with fewer than 300,000 people. It requires extra public notice for zoning changes and bans shelters from being built within 3,000 feet of schools, parks, libraries, and daycares. Existing shelters can stay, but new ones will face severe restrictions.

 

Why it matters: Many smaller cities in Oklahoma already have limited options for providing services for people experiencing homelessness. This bill would make it even harder to create new shelters, leaving more individuals, families, and seniors without a safe and dignified place to stay. Communities that want to support unhoused residents will have fewer tools to do so.

 

What you can do: Tell your state Senator you’re concerned about Senate Bill 484. Find your Senator here by entering your address or district information and express your concern about how this will negatively impact your community. 

 

2. House Bill 1689 (HB1689) - Penalizing Possession of Shopping Carts

 

What it means: HB1689 introduces a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail for anyone possessing a shopping cart from a retail establishment. This bill would have a direct effect on people who are experiencing homelessness, many of whom have no choice but to carry all their belongings with them as they navigate daily life.

 

Why it matters: Many people experiencing homelessness carry everything they own with them– food, clothing, and other basic needs. Punishing them for this is counterproductive and only exacerbates the problem. Rather than offering help or solutions, this bill would lead to more people being incarcerated or incurring fines that would create further barriers to their stability.

 

What you can do: Contact your state Representative to express your concern and tell them to vote NO on HB1689. Find your Representative here. This bill disproportionately impacts individuals who are already facing the hardship of homelessness and could entrench them in the criminal justice system rather than providing the support they need to rebuild their lives.

 

3. House Bill 1798 (HB1798) - One-Way Bus Tickets for People Experiencing Homelessness

 

What it means: HB1798 would allow municipalities to use their general funds to purchase one-way bus tickets out of state for people without permanent residences, effectively relocating them without providing real solutions to their challenges.

 

Why it matters: Moving people from one place to another doesn’t address the root causes of homelessness. It shifts the burden onto other communities without solving anything for disadvantaged people, leaving them vulnerable to even more significant hardship. The majority of people experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma have always called Oklahoma home. We want to give them the opportunity to build a pathway to stable housing in the community in which they have always lived. 

 

What you can do: Tell your Representative to vote NO on HB1798. We need solutions that prioritize the use of general funds for stable housing and long-term support. Find your Representative here.  Advocate for policies that invest in supportive and affordable housing and comprehensive programs that allow people to stay in their communities and rebuild their lives.

 

Ready to take action? We have written some sample letters to get you started.

 

Steadfast Support

When there’s so much at stake, and challenges feel overwhelming, it is easy to wonder if one person can make a difference. The good news is that the seemingly small, consistent actions make the most significant impact when we come together as a community. In addition to contacting your legislators and speaking out against these harmful and ineffective proposals, we ask that you consider becoming a part of the City Care Collective by making a monthly donation. Our monthly donors support our programs by providing stability, allowing us to plan for the future, and continue delivering life-changing services— no matter what comes our way. To join the City Care Collective, click here. 

​

​Advocacy Toolkit

For additional resources on advocating for the overlooked in our community, visit https://togetherok.okpolicy.org/advocacy/advocacy-tipsheets/ to access their advocacy toolkit. 

​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​With gratitude and urgency,

​

​​

​

​​​

Kori Hall

Chief Programs Officer
City Care