Norman’s A Better Way Program to End After State Funding Denied

Norman’s A Better Way program, a key initiative aimed at supporting the homeless community, will shut down at the end of August due to denied funding. This program, which provided paid work, meals, and connections to housing and support services, was a crucial resource in Norman, Oklahoma. It operated under the Mental Health Association Oklahoma, in partnership with the city, offering individuals experiencing homelessness the opportunity to work cleaning public spaces. In return, participants received payment, a meal, and connections to service providers, fostering self-sufficiency and stability.

The program’s closure comes at a challenging time, as Norman faces ongoing issues with homelessness and encampments. Despite efforts by the city to secure new funding from the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, the request was denied, leading to the program’s shutdown. A Better Way was inspired by a similar initiative in Tulsa, launched in 2018, with the mission to help individuals experiencing homelessness by providing work, food, and money, and connecting them with necessary services.

During its operation, A Better Way engaged 232 participants over a year, connecting 54 with mental health or substance abuse services, helping 25 find employment, and assisting 17 in obtaining housing. The program also aided 28 participants in obtaining vital documents. This initiative exemplified the call to care for the vulnerable, as highlighted in Matthew 25:35, by providing practical support and pathways to stability for those in need.

Source: Read the original report