Tulsa Agency Works To Find Housing For Homeless During Pandemic

Housing Solutions in Tulsa has seen an increase in housing placements during the pandemic compared to last year around this time

According to the organization, a lot of communities that are serving the homeless have seen their housing efforts either slow down or stop because of the pandemic.

Becky Gligo is the Interim Executive Director for Housing Solutions which helps support the agencies working to end homelessness.

“We are trying to house as many people as possible,” said Gligo.

Their data shows that since March, they’ve helped 314 families find a place to live, which is a 26 percent increase over the same time last year. Gligo said that COVID-19 has brought a sense of urgency for the organization to get folks off the streets.

"Anytime they are in an environment that they can't shelter in place that's obviously going to up their chances for getting COVID,” Gligo said.

And Gligo said it takes a village to help those in need.

The Executive Director for the City Lights Foundation for Oklahoma, Sarah Grounds said since May, they've housed 17 people. They're working alongside Housing Solutions to find different ways to help people find a place to stay.

“We really need partners throughout the city to step in, whether it's a church, a landlord to help open up spots so that people can be housed,” said Grounds.

If you’re a landlord and would like to help, reach out to Housing Solutions by calling their number at 918-322-9922.