[Excerpts]

In the face of impending evictions in Oklahoma, ACTION and VOICE-OKC leaders organized city councils from OK City, Tulsa, and Norman to urge the governor to expand the eviction moratorium in July.  Governor Stitt responded by allocating $10 Million in state funds for a rental assistance grant program ($5 Million for Tulsa and $5 Million for Oklahoma City).

In Tulsa, ACTION was the first organization to go to the county with the idea for rental assistance, and leveraged $15 million for local residents. When the county attempted to claw back unspent funds at the end of October, ACTION leaders fought to keep $3.5 million for a brand new utility assistance program, which helped over 6,000 families.

In Oklahoma City, VOICE-OKC leaders were critical players in the fight for Oklahoma County to use $1.5 Million in CARES Acts funding for rental assistance.  In combination with funds drawn down from the state, more that 5,200 families (estimated 17,368 people) were assisted.

Pastors and lay leaders from both organizations leaned into the fight to keep families sheltered, ultimately protecting tens of thousands across the state.

[Photo Credit: Video/ACTION Tulsa]

Tulsa City Council Asks Gov. Still to Put Most Evictions in State On Hold, Tulsa World [pdf]

Rental Assistance, Small Business Relief Programs Announced, The Oklahoman [pdf]

Tulsa County Organization Provides Rental Assistance, News On 6 [pdf]

Tulsa County Makes Cares Act Funds Available for Past-Due Utility Bills, Tulsa World [pdf]

Greg R. Taylor: Love Your Neighbor, Don't Evict Him, Tulsa World [pdf]

Good News Week 2021, ACTION Tulsa