In 2023, OKCMAR and its members will be working with other groups – including the City of Oklahoma City – to develop initiatives to care for people experiencing homelessness and to address the need for balanced housing.
The Way Home Fundraiser raised $15,415, with 132 event tickets and $4660 in raffle tickets sold!
Congratulations to the Homeless Initiative Subcommittee for a successful fundraiser.
Special thanks to Tami Murphy and her team, our sponsors, and raffle prize donors.
The Way Home Fund is managed by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation; with recipients to be determined at the end of the year by the OKCMAR Executive Committee and Homeless Initiative Chair and Vice Chair. Organizations combatting homelessness may send requests to thewayhome@okcmar.org.
As REALTORS® and champions of housing, we recognize how impactful having a home is to each and every human being. Many of us are already involved in supporting our community. However, when we collaborate, we can facilitate even more significant change for the most vulnerable of our population.
· 10% of the population are veterans
· 16% are members of families with children
· 36% are female, 63% are male, 1% are transgender or nonconforming
· 51% are white, 27% are black, 10% are Native American
· 20% are youth age 24 or younger
· 28% of the population reports mental illness
· 35% are considered “chronically” homeless
· 50% were staying in a shelter, 13% in transitional housing, 35% unsheltered
Based on 2021 Homeless Management Information System data, 14309 people in OKC have received homeless services.
The simple answer is time and money. There are plenty of services throughout Oklahoma City with a mission to address the problem and they need your help. Monetary donations are helpful, but donating your time through volunteering is just as important.
The work has begun with our Welcome Home Kit Donation Drive. Learn More Here
Through our homeless initiative and advocacy program, we aim to connect all of our members with ways of supporting established organizations in our community serving the unhoused.
The City of OKC has also adopted an action plan to address homelessness in a comprehensive way. From prevention, affordable housing, and emergency shelters, the City is employing a strategy to help our unhoused citizens.
The Way Home Fund is managed by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation; with recipients to be determined at the end of the year by the OKCMAR Executive Committee and Homeless Initiative Chair and Vice Chair. Organizations combatting homelessness may send requests to thewayhome@okcmar.org.
LET’S PAINT
The Homeless Alliance’s day shelter classroom and lobby are in need of a makeover with serene colors.
HELP PROVIDE ESSENTIAL ITEMS TO 100 INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES TRANSITIONING INTO HOUSING.
Starting over is difficult and we sometimes take for granted the ability to purchase basic essentials for a new home. To help with these upfront costs and give clients a jump start with their new lives, the Homeless Alliance presents Welcome Home Kits to those transitioning from homelessness. Each Welcome Home Kit consists of essentials, such as cookware, bath towels, and cleaning supplies.
WAYS TO HELP
The best way to help is with a financial donation. Any amount is greatly appreciated, but $175 will secure one complete Welcome Home Kit.
You can also help by gathering items to create the Welcome Home Kits. Items can be dropped off at the OKCMAR building and we will be announcing a time in the near future where OKCMAR members will gather and put the kits together.
WELCOME HOME KITS INCLUDE
THESE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ITEMS AND CAN BE PURCHASED FOR AROUND $175.
Help us spread the word.
We will be sharing these videos over the next year on all your favorite social media platforms. Please like, comment and share with your friends to help spread the word.
The OKCMAR Homeless Initiative will be unveiling a fundraising and volunteering program on April 3, 2023 to support the unhoused in our community. To learn more about the initiative, please email Gary Jones at gjones@okcmar.org or use the form below. We will include you on the list to help when the program begins!
