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Resources & Reporting for Tulsans

The following resources and reporting mechanisms are in place for Tulsans looking to help their neighbors in need. From mental health and shelter resources, to reporting mechanisms for encampments and trespassing, we can all play a part in creating a safer and cleaner city for all.


How You Can Help

  • If you're in an area with people panhandling as a means for money and want to help them in a way that you know your dollars will be spent to better their situation, Text Tulsa to 44-321. Signs with this number are strategically placed in certain areas of Tulsa with a higher percentage of those who panhandle as a means for money.
  • The text-to-give option is known as The Change How You Give campaign, where your contribution will go to providing Tulsans with an opportunity to help their neighbors in a different way. Your contribution will be dispersed among Tulsa nonprofits providing complex and long-term homeless prevention and housing supports to those who need it most.
  • Funds raised through the text-to-give option is overseen by Housing Solutions, the lead agency for A Way Home for Tulsa. AWH4T is a continuum of care with over 30 voting organizations that exists to plan and implement strategies that support a system of outreach, engagement, assessment, prevention and evaluation for those experiencing homelessness, or those persons at risk of homelessness, within Tulsa City/County.
  • Learn more about the campaign online.

Tulsa is full of nonprofit and philanthropic organizations working to address housing, homelessness, mental health, and food security. There are dozens of reputable organizations to give to. If you need help confirming whether an organization is reputable, please call 2-1-1 or visit 211eok.org.


Mental Health

  • If it is a non-life-threatening mental health crisis, call 988.
  • If it is a life-threatening mental health crisis, call 911 and ask for a CIT Officer (Crisis Intervention Team) for mental health crisis assistance and potential hospitalization.
  • Contact Copes (981) 744-4800 – 24 hours a day, mobile psychiatric crisis intervention
  • From staffing, to programming, to how the City responds to mental health-related calls, the City of Tulsa continues to keep mental health assistance top of mind.

    See a comprehensive list of City of Tulsa mental health programs and resources at www.cityoftulsa.org/mhss


Encampments & Public Safety

A homeless encampment can be found anywhere, on a side yard, in an alley, side of the road or highway, on residential or business property, and even in a park.

Yes, as the property owner you are ultimately responsible for maintaining your property including the cleanup of homeless belongings left behind. You might seek information from 2-1-1 or another local agency or business on how to properly dispose of the debris safely using extreme caution. The debris may contain questionable items and biohazard conditions may be present. 

  • Tell them they are trespassing, and you want them to leave
  • If they refuse, you can inform them that the police will be called
  • Post “No Trespassing” and “No Loitering” signs on your property as a warning
  • Complete a no trespassing letter with the Tulsa Police Department | Get the Letter Online
  • Secure the property with a fence

Contact the Tulsa Police Department non-emergency number at (918) 596-9222 or file a police report online.

Email Tulsa311@cityoftulsa.org or contact Customer Care by dialing 311 or (918) 596-2100 (if located outside City limits) to report people living in a structure without proper utilities.

If there is criminal activity, call 911.    


Homeless Shelters

  • You can contact the Tulsa Police Department for assistance with a welfare check on a person of concern who could be considered homeless.
  • This can be done through their non-emergency number at (918) 596-9222.
  • You can fill out a Street Outreach Request through Housing Solutions.
  • You can also call 2-1-1.
  • Tulsa has multiple shelters and agencies that offer food, shelter, and resources. While the City of Tulsa does not maintain or house these resources, we regularly communicate the main ones especially in times of severe weather, which are John 3:16 Mission, Salvation Army, and Tulsa Day Center. If you see someone in need of shelter, please contact Housing Solutions, Tulsa's Continuum of Care, at (918) 322-9922.

 

Strategies & Action Steps


 

Important Information