How to Find Immediate Shelter
First of all, I want to start off by saying I'm sorry you're in this situation.
If you take the initiative and put forth the effort needed, I assure you, your situation will dramatically improve and you'll be able to get back on your feet. I know this to be true because I was homeless myself years ago.
Disclaimer: The information in this guide provides no guarantees and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice.
1. Get Assistance Referrals
Click on the region closest to you to find the contact person through HUD that should be able to connect you to resources in your area that can assist you.
If it is after hours or you need assistance immediately, contact the 2-1-1 Help Line that is open 24/7. If that doesn't work out, move on to step 2.
2. Search for Resources Near You
Use the resource map below to see all the resources available in your area.
Shelters are shown on the map in teal with a house icon. You can filter the icons that display using the category list on the side of the map.
If you are unable to find anything near you location, that doesn't mean there isn't anything in your area, it just means we are not aware of it. That's why it's best to get assistance referrals as they may know resources we don't.
Unfortunately, Oklahoma does not have the resources in place to address homelessness in every part of the state.
So you're going to have to make some tough decisions and be willing to make sacrifices so that you can overcome your current situation and set of challenges.
You may have to:
- relocate to a location that has resources available
- fill out lots of paperwork and provide documentation
- stay in facilities where you will have little to no privacy, curfews, responsibilities, and lots of rules to follow
Is it worth it? YES.
Your situation is difficult but not impossible. You can and will get through it.
There is always hope.
3. Contact Local Churches
The churches in your area may offer some temporary assistance such as a one-night stay in a motel, transportation to a shelter, food, clothing, or other necessities.
You typically don't have to be a Christian or join the church to receive assistance, though it would make everyone happy if you did. It may also provide you with a support network and encouragement which could really help you in this time of need.
Getting assistance from churches can sometimes prove difficult as it depends on if they have the financial ability to provide assistance and some may have to get permission through a board meeting or church vote.
All churches have their own rules and policies, so you will have to ask around.
Some of the Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Oklahoma may be willing and able to provide assistance. You can do a search and contact the closest Adventist church to see if they can provide some sort of help. Click here to use the Adventist church locator.
To search for churches of all denominations, click the button below.
4. Consider Alternative Housing Options
Believe it or not, you are not limited to shelters and low-income housing. There are other options that you might want to consider, but it will depend on your location and situation.
Here are some possible solutions to explore:
- Camping
You can try primitive camping. There are some campsites that are free of charge, but most cost somewhere between $10-25/night. Getting transportation to and from a campsite may be difficult unless you are able to get some assistance. You can request help from the churches if they decline paying for a motel room for you. - Couchsurfing
One possible way you may be able to get a place to stay temporarily is through couchsurfing. What is couchsurfing? It's where you stay with a stranger for free in exchange for fun interactions and possible friendship. It comes with some risks and you'll need to be a good guest for a positive experience, but it may be worth looking into. You can look into couchsurfing opportunities here. - Extended Stay Motels
If you have some money or can get assistance from somewhere, you may be able to stay in an extended stay motel that charges by the week at a lower rate than by the night. You can click here to do a search for cheap motels near you. There are likely cheap motels that are not listed, so be sure to check Google as well.
These options are only intended to be temporary solutions until you can get into income-based housing or a shelter program.