Tulsa City Council Proposal To Limit Homeless From Certain Places Put On Hold

Proposed ordinances to limit the homeless from blocking sidewalks and the entrances to businesses in Tulsa are on hold as city councilors and nonprofits figure out a way to move forward.

In May, the Mayor asked to change city ordinances about people obstructing places like sidewalks.

The council decided this week that they need more time to think on those changes.

Reverend Steve Whitaker is the CEO of John 3:16 Mission. His homeless shelter serves hundreds of Tulsans every day and he said homelessness is a very complex issue.

“Right now, we have to love people who are street camping, and the question is what do we do about that," Whitaker said.

A few months ago, Mayor GT Bynum proposed changes to some city ordinances after getting complaints from police and citizens about homeless people blocking sidewalks and business entrances.

The ordinances would involve fines up to $200 and possibly jail time or both for people obstructing sidewalks and other areas.

“We have to handle it in the best possible way, so these people aren’t involved in the justice system," said Councilor Phil Lakin in the meeting.

City councilors decided at a meeting this week to get more information before voting on the ordinances.

They are now getting together a committee of groups like Housing Solutions, a nonprofit that helps people find homes, to talk about the best possible ways to tackle homelessness.

Reverend Whitaker said the concern is any fines for homeless people means instant jail time.

“The argument is we’re making it illegal for people experiencing homelessness, and we don't want to do that either," said Whitaker.

But he also agrees it’s not fair for hard working business owners to have homeless people blocking their sidewalks and entrances, so he understands both sides.

"Our community problem, the nation problem, is the issue of affordable housing," said Whitaker.

Housing solutions sent this statement: "Crafting policy to reduce homelessness and its complex effects in our community isn't easy. Every city in the nation is currently navigating the same issues, and we applaud City leaders for taking it on. The City made a good decision this week to approach an ordinance carefully and focus on positive outcomes for all Tulsans involved. We're excited to be a part of the working group and finding solutions to make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring." -Becky Gligo, Housing Solutions executive director.

The city council should discuss the ordinances later this month.