Youth Services Of Tulsa Expanding To Meet Needs Of Those Experiencing Homelessness

Youth Services of Tulsa is providing more services and housing opportunities for young people experiencing homelessness throughout Tulsa County.

Youth Services offers programs and assistance to people from ages 12 to 24. The programs focus on counseling, runaway and homeless youth, and youth development.

It’s National Runaway Prevention Month, so this expansion is coming at a perfect time.

The purpose of this month is to help shine a light on the experiences of young people who have run away from home and who have experienced homelessness.

Amy Olsen, Director of Housing and Support Services for Youth Services of Tulsa, said an increase in federal and state funding will assist with ongoing efforts to solve the growing problem of homelessness.

“With our program previously being right around 60 units, expanding to 90 to 95 units, just the increase in services that we'll be able to offer and the more young people we can reach. We’re just excited to continue to grow and reach more young people because we know the need is there,” Olsen said.

Youth Services currently houses more than 60 young people in apartments at any given time. The increased funding will add 30 to 40 additional units.

“While we are doing our best to kind of meet that need, there was a clear need for some expansion. So, we are very excited that we will be able to offer those services to several additional youth moving forward,” Olsen explained.

Those at Youth Services said last year they sheltered or housed 248 youth throughout Tulsa County.