Helping someone experiencing homelessness

Ask before deciding what they need

• A person may need transportation, a phone charger, food, documents, medication, a safe place, or help contacting a program more urgently than they need a particular item.
• Offer choices when possible rather than making help conditional on accepting one specific option.

Help with the frustrating parts

• Calling programs, checking hours, comparing eligibility rules, printing forms, or arranging transportation can be more useful than simply handing someone a list of phone numbers.
• If a program is full or turns someone away, help look for the next option rather than treating the referral as the end of the process.

Respect privacy and safety

• Do not post someone’s story, photo, location, medical information, or circumstances publicly without clear permission.
• If someone appears to be in immediate danger, contact emergency services. For a mental-health or substance-use crisis, call or text 988.

If you still cannot find what you need

Call 211 for Oklahoma community-resource referrals. For mental-health or substance-use crisis support, call or text 988. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing an emergency, call 911.