CREOKS in partnership with BeHeard Movement opened a new homeless shelter on the east side of Tulsa at Mesa Church. From the end of November through March, the warming center will operate 24/7. Guests will be provided with beds, meals and access to CREOKS services: mental health support, job/employment services and more.
Aiding the City of Tulsa in abating homelessness, the new shelter is designed as a low-barrier option, which means there are fewer restrictions than traditional shelters. Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols said, “This is a key step toward our mission to reach functional zero homelessness in Tulsa, ensuring no Tulsan is forced to sleep outside in extreme weather.”
“It reflects the compassion and determination of our entire community,” Monroe said.
Starting with 50-60 beds, there is a soft launch with 25 guests allowed inside. But the goal is to serve around 250 people in the coming months during periods of extreme weather. Before this warming center, the nearest shelter was a 4–5 hour walk. With BeHeard Movement, Tulsa’s most vulnerable neighbors can get out of the cold this winter and access services.
“Caring for our community means making sure no one is left out in the cold,” Brent Black, CEO of CREOKS said. The shelter provide immediate safety and neighborly support for our most vulnerable residents.
“CREOKS and the BeHeard Movement aim to simply ensure that everyone has a warm, secure place to survive this winter,” Black added.
Interested in helping?
Donations of winter clothing, non-perishable food and hygiene items are still needed. Items can be taken directly to the shelter or dropped off at the CREOKS Tulsa Clinic.
Scenes from the Preparing the Warming Shelter
