Stimulus Funds Make Homeless Campus Possible in Oklahoma City

Stimulus Funds Make Homeless Campus Possible in Oklahoma City

The West Town Homeless Campus in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma will become a reality thanks to the commitment of $4.5 million in HUD Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) Funds. The Kick-Off Ceremony that officially started the process of transforming two obsolete, vacant structures into the Homeless Resource Center and the Homeless Day Shelter/Service Center was held on February 4, 2010 by the Oklahoma City Homeless Alliance. When finished, the Campus will make it possible to address the needs of homeless individuals and families more efficiently and comprehensively than ever before. Deputy Mayor, Pete White, praised the use of federal dollars and said the Homeless Campus could not happen without this very important source of funding.

Homeless prevention is an especially important objective, and the Homeless Resource Center, targeted for completion by November 2010, will be a one-stop facility not only for those who are already homeless but also for families that are at risk of becoming homeless. On-site case managers and staff from many resource agencies will permit a more comprehensive approach to addressing a broad range of needs.

By March 2011, the Homeless Day Shelter/Service Center is also anticipated to be operational, and will complete the Campus. The Day Shelter will be a safe place with access to basic hygiene and triage services. The stability it brings will be very important for homeless families as they prepare to connect with the Resource Center and develop a new path for their lives. During times of disaster, the facility can also be temporarily converted into an overflow emergency shelter.

With the West Town Homeless Campus, Oklahoma City is taking a huge step toward achieving the goals of its 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness. The project will also foster many private sector, construction-related jobs. The NSP Funds being used came to the City and the State of Oklahoma through the Housing Economic Recovery Act of 2008. HUD's Oklahoma City Field Office Director, the Community Planning Development Acting Director and other HUD staff were among the more than 100 well-wishers attending the Kick-Off Event.