Oklahoma City Rushes to Protect Unhoused as Arctic Blast Approaches

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — As an arctic blast approaches, Oklahoma City is taking urgent measures to ensure the safety of its unhoused population. Outreach teams were deployed throughout the city Monday to inform individuals about available shelters and free transportation options to escape freezing temperatures.

With harsh winter weather expected, local shelters anticipate an influx of people seeking refuge. Jamie Caves, homeless strategy implementation manager with Key to Home OKC, stated, “We’re providing rides. Embark will transport anyone to the shelters. If they get on the correct bus, it’ll take them to the closest shelter.” This service aims to prevent anyone from enduring life-threatening cold for extended periods.

The city has coordinated with the OKC Homeless Alliance, City Rescue Mission, Pivot, and Sisu Youth to heighten their emergency response. These organizations have increased their shelter capacity in anticipation of colder nights. Caves emphasized, “City Rescue Mission is providing extra capacity support. St. Paul’s is providing shelter for families specifically.” Saint Paul’s Church has opened its doors for up to 40 individuals.

According to estimates, approximately 325 families experience homelessness yearly in Oklahoma City. The City Rescue Mission expects to see more families than usual during this cold snap. “When they come here, typically, if it’s going to be under 32 degrees during the day, they’re allowed to stay, and we feed them three meals a day,” said Skyler Parker, vice president of client services at City Rescue Mission.

In addition to shelter, local organizations are calling for community support to provide necessary items for those in need. Caves urged, “If people in the community are wanting to help, taking snacks, making donations to those organizations providing winter shelter is a desperate need.” The shelter also requires practical items such as hygiene products, socks, and gloves to help keep individuals warm.

Health professionals are increasingly concerned about the effects of extreme cold on the population. Urgent care physician Hieu Nguyen warned about the dangers of hypothermia. “Shivering is your body’s way of creating heat, but if you stop shivering, that’s when we get concerned. That means you’re at a point where hypothermia has kicked in, and it might be serious,” he said. Nguyen adds that various factors such as age, health conditions, and medications can affect how a person copes with cold weather.

As the arctic conditions approach, Oklahoma City remains committed to protecting its vulnerable populations. “There’s more data coming out that says keeping your mucus membranes warm will reduce the ability of certain viruses to infect you,” Nguyen advised, reinforcing the importance of staying warm in the current climate.

For more information on shelter locations and bus routes, residents are encouraged to visit local resources and check the KOCO 5 App for updates and alerts regarding the winter weather.