OKC homelessness coordinators brace for dangerously cold weather

Critical cold temperatures mean there's a greater need for emergency services. Oklahoma City will launch its emergency response plan to help people with no homes. 

Several agencies work together to provide enough space for everyone. When temperatures dip below freezing – this work is the difference between life and death. 

“I’m very concerned about our community members and our neighbors,” said Jamie Caves, Key to Home Implementation Manager  

Emergency shelter partners throughout OKC prepare to get people out of deadly cold air.  

“Help is available,” Caves said. “We can cover all populations.” 

Caves coordinates OKC’s Key to Home Partnership -- a collaboration of more than 50 organizations that work to prevent and end homelessness in the community. 

Saint Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral will help unsheltered families while Pivot and Sisu Youth Services will help children. 

“We won’t turn people away. We’ll make sure there’s space for everyone,” Caves said. 

People's pets are welcome at the Homeless Alliance and City Rescue Mission. Embark will also provide free rides for people who need them.   

“They’ll take them to the closest shelter and drop them off at a safe place to be,” Caves said. 

The Key to Home Partnership is getting more people off the streets and into permanent housing. They’ve housed about 340 people since 2023. Caves said it's a sign of progress from people who unlock safe places for the community’s most vulnerable neighbors. 

“They’re important and they’re valued,” Caves said. “We’ve worked very hard to make sure that everyone has a safe space to be.” 

The Homeless Alliance hires seasonal workers to help with the workload and ensure they have enough staffing during winter storms. The Homeless Alliance launched a new program last month to prevent homelessness.