Meeting on Homeless Situation

A meeting will be held to discuss the Homeless situation in Tahlequah. It is open to everyone. Those who offer services, businesses, concerned citizens and the homeless are encouraged to attend.

Tuesday, June 11, 2019 5:30PM
Armory Municipal Center
100 N Water Avenue
Tahlequah, Ok 74464

Please attend and share your thoughts/concerns with those present.

Many people think there is a huge support system for the homeless in Tahlequah, when in fact there is not.

The O-Si-Yo Men's Shelter has a capacity of 16. This is for men only. The only place that allows men to spend the night. This is designed to be an approximate three month living situation to help the men get on their feet.

The Tahlequah Area Coalition for the Homeless runs the Day Center. "Day" is the key word here. People are allowed to take a shower in one of the three shower stalls. They are fed lunch 6 days a week and then sent on their way. Many believe the homeless can do their laundry at the Day Center, but they can not. They are given laundry tokens. An important thing to remember is that if they only have the clothes on their back, they can not get naked at the laundry mat to wash their clothes.

D.D. Etchieson Indian UMC opened their sanctuary for the homeless to sleep when the temperature dropped below 32 degrees. They were open 26 nights and had a total of 169 overnight guests. This included men and women.

First United Methodist of Tahlequah runs Feed My Sheep every Thursday where the homeless and others may eat dinner for free.

The Church of Christ feeds the homeless on Tuesday evenings.

BETA Blessing Box is located in front of the Tahlequah Public Library. This is where you may donate items for those in need.

ZOE Institute offers food on a monthly basis, but must be picked up at the Hands of Grace on road to Keys. (A long walk for the homeless.)

Here's the recap that T.A.C.H. shared on their Facebook page: