There are several businesses and organizations in Oklahoma who aim to help the homeless. Right now, there are countless people rallying to help fellow citizens in a variety of ways, some of which they're struggling with currently. Recently, a bill has been proposed that could outlaw all of these programs, services and acts of kindness in the state.

How Local Businesses Are Helping The Homeless Now

While there are organizations in southwest Oklahoma whose purpose is to help the homeless and victims of domestic violence specifically, there are businesses here that go out of their way to help. Businesses like Cool Vibes in Lawton do their best to help provide them with shelter, clothes and resources.

Every Sunday, Cool Vibes asks local food trucks to come down and help serve the homeless a warm meal while they host events like auctions, raffles, live music, games around the firepits - all in an effort to try and raise money.

The funds go towards helping put folks in motels, purchasing firewood to burn at the firepits to keep some homeless warm throughout the evenings, and more.

Similar acts of kindness are happening in nearby Duncan, Oklahoma where community members have decided to come together and feed the homeless, as well as distribute donated items they've needed.

These are only a few instances of people who don't have to help, but want to. And they'll continue to do so while they can - but there's a chance that they may have to completely stop before the end of 2025.

How Will The Bill Affect These Businesses And Organizations?

Senate Bill 484 was filed on Jan. 10 and "aims to prohibit Oklahoma municipalities with populations less than 300,000 from providing homeless shelters and services to unhoused individuals and victims of domestic violence."

So the folks working so hard to provide shelter, comfort and simple acts of kindness to those in need would be prohibited from doing so as of Nov. 1, 2025 if the bill passes.

How Can You Help?

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Of course, you can always donate to an organization of your choice. Generally speaking, it's safe to donate items like:

  • Jackets, socks, hats, gloves
  • Toiletries like deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes, tampons and pads, etc.
  • Non-perishable canned goods
  • Waters
  • Blankets

Some folks may have a specific request for items, you should reach out to the folks you'd like to donate to in order to find out what they need most.

You should also consider volunteering for fundraising events, or participating in one yourself. A little goes a very long way.

The bill's first reading will happen on February 3, 2025.

Truths Behind Oklahoma's Most Ridiculous and Crazy Laws

As you scroll through this, try to put yourself into the minds of people who passed these laws years, decades, and a century ago. While many of the laws are spread around social media and sensationalized without explanation, here are the real reasons we have some of the weirdest laws in America.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

20 Worst Places To Live In Oklahoma

Contrary to popular belief, Oklahoma is growing. People are seeking a more affordable life, less big city, more room to grow, and the Sooner State fits that bill better than you think.

Our slow and steady growth year-over-year has gotten enough national attention to garner all sorts of new studies in the state, including this one.

Here are the 20 worst places to live in Oklahoma based on cost of living, crime rates, poverty stats, low wage issues, and more.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

 

 

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