Oklahomans react to view of homelessness amid winter storm: 'No human being deserves this'
In a video interview recorded Saturday, Jan. 24, several homeless people staying in an Oklahoma City park described their experience sleeping outside in freezing, snowy weather.
A group of about five people opted to sleep in the camp about a block away from OKC's Homeless Alliance around a fire to protect their belongings and keep an eye on one member, who has mobility issues.
Over the weekend, the Homeless Alliance hosted about 450 people in its day shelter and nearly 400 in its overnight winter shelter.
For the week leading up to the storm, she said the Key to Home Partnership, the lead agency for OKC’s collaboration of homeless service providers, worked to get the word out to the local homeless population about the incoming severe weather.
"Not everybody is comfortable with a shelter environment. ... Sometimes people do not want to leave their encampments because they fear leaving their things behind. They fear them getting stolen or destroyed. Sometimes people don't want to leave their pets behind, even though we do allow pets in our shelter," Taylor Self, director of communications for the Homeless Alliance, told The Oklahoman on Sunday.
Heavy, wet snow overnight collapsed tents at the homeless tent city at Heritage Park on April 16, 2020.
"But when the temperatures and the weather get this dangerous, it can be life or death. So, we are really just thankful to have a space for our neighbors to take shelter from the storm, because really everybody deserves that safety and security."
She said she expects the Homeless Alliance's shelters, as well as OKC's other emergency shelters, to stay crowded this week as the bitter cold lingers.
"The winter shelter will remain open ... every single night from Nov. 1 through March 31, no matter the temperature," Self said. "We have beds for up to 300 people. However, when it gets this cold, we are not turning people away."
Across all of Oklahoma City, emergency personnel responded to 37 cold-exposure calls throughout the winter storm. Of those, 26 patients were transported to a local hospital for further care.
Readers share their thoughts
Many readers online were quick to share their thoughts in the comment section on social media. Here's a look at what some readers said on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok:
Jarrin said on TikTok: Update- my husband went and brought them home cooked warm food, water and supplies tonight. Nothing that we did is enough. It is 6 degrees outside. These people are freezing. We stood outside with them for 15 minutes & I was freezing. I cannot even imagine how cold they are. This is inhumane. No human being deserves this.
Angela London said on Facebook: I've personally been involved with the homeless during freezing weather before. A big group of us volunteered at a large music venue that became a warming station for anyone needing shelter, or food. There were people from all income levels coming for help. It was eye opening...many of the homeless truly appreciated it, & actually got some much needed help. Others abused the hospitality, & winded up having to actually be evicted from the property. It was an interesting few weeks, but I'll never forget the ones that had stories that imprinted on me. I think of them every time a winter storm comes. Just be kind, & remember not every homeless person became that way by choice.
Jacine Oakes said on Facebook: My son has been homeless down in OKC not sure where, but close to downtown. He spent a couple of winters down there. I always prayed that someone could help him. I prayed every cold night that he wouldn’t freeze to death. He is still alive, thank you Jesus
Kim said on TikTok: The facility they want to use for ICE should be used to help people get out of the streets.
Jdawg-fj6ov said on YouTube: This man is such a kind soul. You can just hear it in his voice and see it on his face.
DeKoko20 said on YouTube: The man that stayed outside with his friend, he has 1000% respect from me. One million blessings for them
DadBroGuy said on YouTube: 41 years of life experienced hardships myself and it still blows me away that the kindest most generous people are the ones with the least to give
How to help, what to donate
Oklahoma City area shelters and outreach organizations say community support is critical amid the strain of winter weather. Financial donations allow agencies to respond quickly to increased demand for emergency shelter, warming centers, transportation, and medical care.
Groups such as the Homeless Alliance, City Rescue Mission, and Sisu Youth Services all accept monetary contributions that help cover operating costs during severe cold.
For those able to give their time, shelters rely heavily on volunteers during the winter months. Opportunities range from serving meals and sorting donations to assisting with outreach efforts and administrative work. Many organizations encourage volunteers to sign up in advance, as weather emergencies can lead to sudden staffing needs.
Shelters also have an ongoing need for essential items. Cold-weather gear such as coats, gloves, hats, thermal socks, and blankets are especially important during freezing temperatures. Hygiene supplies, including soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and feminine products, are also in high demand. Some shelters accept ready-to-eat food items, while others request new or gently used clothing suitable for winter conditions.
While Key to Home is not a direct service provider, the organization partners with groups around Oklahoma City to solve critical gaps and support rehousing. You can donate gently used furniture and supplies to support those moving into housing, as well as give money or volunteer time.
Organizations recommend checking their websites or contacting them directly before donating items, as storage space and immediate needs can change rapidly during winter storms.
