Homelessness Services

Those experiencing homelessness in Tulsa can find it difficult to find services to help their unique situations. The City of Tulsa and various organizations across this city have devoted resources and programs to help.

Below are some of the ways those who are facing or experiencing homelessness in Tulsa can find help. If you know of an organization or service that should be included, please email resilient@cityoftulsa.org. 

A Better Way

A Better Way provides an alternative to those experiencing homelessness who panhandle as a means for money. Through roving van outreach three days a week, the program employs six participants a day, asking them to help beautify Tulsa through an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. Social service workers connect these individuals with life-changing services like housing, mental health and addiction treatment, and more sustainable employment opportunities. At the end of the day, they are paid cash ($9/hour). 

Results so far… 
Since its inception, A Better Way has provided 802 individuals experiencing homelessness an alternative to panhandling. Nearly 22,000 pounds of trash have been collected from City of Tulsa parks and facilities. A Better Way has secured full-time, competitive employment for 66 individuals and contacted nearly 250 employers. Fourteen participants have been able to move from the streets into safe living quarters. Learn more about A Better Way. 

Affordable Housing Strategy - A Way Home for Tulsa 

The City's new Housing Director Becky Gligo created the City's first Affordable Housing Strategy to address issues Tulsans face. Homelessness is one of those areas, and Becky has taken on a leadership role in A Way Home For Tulsa, Tulsa's continuum of care dedicated to making homelessness in Tulsa brief, rare and non-recurring. Read the Strategy. 

Altamont Apartments
The Altamont Apartments are Mental Health Association Oklahoma's way to provide affordable housing to those affected by homelessness, mental illnesses and disabilities. In May of 2019, the City of Tulsa helped fund the renovation of the apartments, including the installation of its first elevator. Read more about how they are helping those in need.

Housing First (Mental Health Association Oklahoma)
A homeless assistance approach brought about by Mental Health Association Oklahoma, Housing First prioritizes providing permanent housing to those experiencing homelessness. After ending their homelessness, Mental Health Association Oklahoma connects the tenants with a variety of programs and partnerships to address their specific needs. Read more. 

John 3:16 Mission
John 3:16 Mission is a local ministry designed to fight homelessness, hunger and assist in community restoration. They have programs for both men and women.

Visit John 3:16’s website to read more about both programs.

RENEW Recovery Program
A program for women, RENEW is a residential program for women who are ready to work for life transformation.

New Creation Recovery Program
A program for men, the New Creation Recovery Program seeks to employ men at the end of 11 months.

Lindsey House
The Lindsey House, whose mission is to help women transitioning from homelessness get important life skills and regain confidence, is for single mothers. The Lindsey House can be reached at (918) 933-5222. Get more information on their website.

Pop Up Resource Clinics 
The Tulsa Fire Department in conjunction with Mental Health Association Oklahoma, St. John      Medical Center, Tulsa Health Department and The Merchant host a Pop Up Resource Clinic for Tulsans in need, providing a temporary workspace that connects Tulsans and nearby residents with resources like housing, identification, medical care and information about A Better Way and employment resources.