Mandy
In a move that sharply contrasts with its public messaging, the State of Oklahoma is working on a plan to fund rent and support services for individuals displaced by Operation SAFE, Governor Kevin Stitt’s homeless encampment clearance initiative in Oklahoma City.
State officials confirmed negotiations for a contract of up to $800,000 through the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health, partnering with the City of Oklahoma City.
The agreement would provide stabilization care, case management, and housing for people forcibly removed from state-owned land.
This newly revealed plan marks a major shift from Stitt’s previous position opposing taxpayer-funded housing programs for people experiencing homelessness.
Stitt’s Public Stance Contradicted By New State Funding
Governor Previously Opposed Housing Assistance
Governor Kevin Stitt has long criticized the idea of using public funds to provide housing.
In a Nov. 2 interview, he reiterated that giving individuals “three meals a day and a house to live in” only encourages homelessness.
Despite this, the state is now preparing to pay rent and service costs for those displaced during Operation SAFE in Oklahoma City, after clearing at least 11 encampments since October. Additional phases are expected.
How The Housing Program Will Work
Key To Home To Oversee Participation
The nonprofit Key to Home, a public-private partnership led by Oklahoma City, will verify how many individuals stay enrolled for at least 30 consecutive days to trigger state payments, said Stitt spokesperson Abegail Cave.
Key details include:
- Cost per person: Approximately $1,666.67 per month
- Estimated participants: Up to 80 individuals
- Housing duration: Subsidies can cover up to one year
- Reporting: Monthly documentation required before funds are released
- Status: No payments had been issued as of Nov. 17
Cave added that if Operation SAFE expands to other cities, the state will use a similar model with strict oversight to ensure responsible use of funds.
A Stark Contrast With Tulsa’s Operation SAFE Response
Tulsa Saw Sweeps With No Housing Plan
Operation SAFE first launched in Tulsa in September, with Stitt promising that people refusing treatment or shelter would receive “a ride to jail.”
The state offered no housing funding in Tulsa, and the sweeps resulted in:
- Lost personal belongings
- People relocating to other parks and public areas
- Local shelters becoming overwhelmed
- Service providers scrambling with little notice
Providers and local officials were surprised to learn the state is providing housing support in Oklahoma City but not Tulsa, prompting questions about unequal treatment.
Local Officials And Providers React
Oklahoma City Officials: We Already Had A System
Mayor David Holt stressed that the state approached Oklahoma City as a property owner seeking help, saying the city routinely assists other property owners through Key to Home.
He rejected the idea that clearing encampments makes the city “safe,” saying:
“I don’t even know where that comes from.”
Providers Note The Trauma Of Encampment Sweeps
While Oklahoma City had time to prepare, service providers noted that forced removals are still emotionally and psychologically damaging.
City Care staff recounted the experience of a displaced couple used to sleeping beside one another under an interstate overpass.
Due to shelter gender separation rules, staff placed their mats near opposite sides of a hallway door so they could talk until bedtime, though they said they struggled to sleep.
Tulsa Leaders Push Back
Tulsa Day Center CEO Mack Haltom questioned why his city received no support, saying Tulsa was “left out” despite struggling with overcrowded shelters and increased needs after Operation SAFE.
Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado confirmed that people are already re-establishing camps in cleared areas, noting there was no long-term plan for displaced individuals.
Success Of Key To Home’s Existing Housing Model
446 People Housed Since 2023
Since launching its rehousing program in September 2023, Key to Home has:
- Housed 446 individuals
- Achieved a 92% rate of preventing returns to homelessness
- Typically required 4–6 weeks to clear an encampment
Operation SAFE dramatically accelerated the process by transporting individuals directly to shelters.
Oklahoma’s decision to allocate up to $800,000 for housing people displaced by Operation SAFE represents a significant shift from Governor Stitt’s hardline rhetoric.
While the approach in Oklahoma City includes planning, coordination, and supportive services, Tulsa’s earlier experience shows the consequences of aggressive sweeps without adequate resources.
As the program expands and evolves, advocates continue to highlight the trauma and instability caused by encampment clearances—and the need for consistent, humane policies statewide.