Objective:

To address homelessness effectively by investing in supportive housing, integrating wraparound services, opening a new low-barrier shelter, and ensuring that new housing developments contribute to a reduction in homelessness.

1. Fast-Tracking Affordable and Supportive Housing:

• Prioritized Processing:
  • Prioritize the review and approval of permits for projects specifically designed to house individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
  • Work with the philanthropic community and regional stakeholders to establish a dedicated team to expedite these projects, ensuring timely construction.
• Incentives:
  • Offer incentives such as reduced fees or expedited reviews for developments that include units reserved for homeless individuals or those at risk.
  • Provide additional support for projects that incorporate supportive services, including case management and job training.

2. Supporting Homelessness Reduction Efforts:

• Partnerships:
  • Collaborate with local homeless shelters, service providers, and non-profits to align housing developments with ongoing homelessness reduction efforts.
  • Integrate supportive services into new developments to provide comprehensive solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Funding and Grants:
  • Explore funding opportunities and grants dedicated to affordable housing and missing middle housing, aimed at reducing homelessness.
  • Allocate city resources to support projects specifically addressing the needs of the homeless population.

3. Improving Coordination Among Mental Health Response Teams:

To enhance the effectiveness of mental health crisis response in Tulsa by improving coordination among the Alternative Response Team (ART), Integrated Response Team (IRT), Community Response Team (CRT), and Community Outreach Psychiatric Emergency Services (COPES).

• Increase Coordination Among Mental Health Crisis Teams:
  • Expand ART operating hours to 24/7.
  • Hire more mental health professionals, social workers, and trained responders to handle mental health emergencies.
  • Partner with local mental health organizations to design and implement a crisis intervention model.
• Bring Stakeholders to the Table in Coordinated Outreach Efforts:
  • Develop a dedicated outreach team focused on connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with essential services, including housing, healthcare, and job training.
  • Collaborate with local shelters, non-profits, and social service agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to addressing homelessness.
• Training and Integration:
  • Train police officers, firefighters, and mental health crisis response teams to work collaboratively, ensuring seamless transitions between law enforcement and specialized support services.
  • Develop protocols for joint response and communication between police, fire departments, and mental health professionals.

4. Maintaining a Pre-Permitted Plan Inventory:

• Pre-Approved Designs:
  • Create and maintain a catalog of pre-permitted building plans and designs specifically for affordable and supportive housing.
  • Include options such as single-room occupancy units and transitional housing suitable for individuals experiencing homelessness.
  • Example: Habitat for Humanity uses four standardized housing plans that are replicated across projects. By pre-permitting these plans, significant savings can be achieved, reducing both costs and processing time.
• Continuous Updates:
  • Regularly update the inventory to reflect current codes, standards, and needs specific to homelessness reduction.
  • Collaborate with architects and planners to ensure plans meet the needs of the community and individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.