UPDATE: Oklahoma City is intensifying efforts to clear homeless encampments as part of a new initiative called Operation SAFE, spearheaded by Governor Kevin Stitt. This urgent action comes in response to growing pressure from local business leaders and residents for a cleaner, safer city.
Just announced, Operation SAFE is a strategic approach modeled after a similar successful initiative in Tulsa. The program involves the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), aiming to remove encampments from state-owned properties across Oklahoma City.
Governor Stitt emphasized the need for this initiative, stating, “After the success of Operation SAFE in Tulsa, business leaders and stakeholders quickly requested the state to do the same here in Oklahoma City.” The campaign focuses on cleaning up areas including underpasses and state buildings, tackling the issue head-on.
In a significant move beyond just cleanup, the state is collaborating with Key to Home, a local initiative designed to transition individuals displaced from these areas into support services and housing. Launched in 2023, Key to Home has formed partnerships with over 50 organizations across the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Key to Home is renowned for deploying outreach teams directly into encampments, providing critical assistance. To date, the partnership has successfully connected 446 individuals to housing and closed 25 encampments in Oklahoma City. Jamie Caves, Homeless Strategy Implementation Manager for Key to Home, remarked, “We’ve worked hard to coordinate efforts more effectively and create a streamlined pathway to restoration for our neighbors who are sleeping outside.”
This comprehensive approach not only aims to clean up public spaces but also focuses on the human impact of homelessness, ensuring that those affected receive the necessary support and resources. The urgency of Operation SAFE highlights the city’s commitment to addressing homelessness while maintaining public safety and cleanliness.
As this operation unfolds, residents and business owners in Oklahoma City are urged to stay informed about the developments and support the ongoing efforts. The success of Operation SAFE could serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges.
For the latest updates on Operation SAFE and its impact, stay tuned as we continue to monitor this developing story.
