In a recent government meeting, Captain Brian Brindley of the Salvation Army presented a comprehensive plan to address homelessness in Lawton, Oklahoma, highlighting the organization's historical commitment and outlining new initiatives aimed at assisting the local community during the winter months.

Brindley shared impressive statistics from 2023, revealing that the Salvation Army served over 7,300 individuals, distributed nearly 1,800 food boxes, and provided over 29,500 meals. He emphasized the organization's long-standing presence in Lawton, which has been active since 1919, and its mission to support those in need across several counties.

A significant focus of the presentation was the transition from a high barrier shelter model to a low barrier shelter approach. Brindley explained that the previous high barrier shelter, which operated at only 28% capacity, was paused due to funding and maintenance issues. In collaboration with local partners, the Salvation Army aims to establish a low barrier shelter that would allow greater access for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, regardless of their circumstances.

The proposed low barrier shelter would require a budget of approximately $540,000 annually, significantly higher than the $240,000 needed for the high barrier model. Brindley noted that this shift would necessitate increased funding and community support, emphasizing the importance of local investment in sustainable solutions for homelessness.

As part of the engagement strategy, the Salvation Army plans to launch a new initiative on November 16, coinciding with the start of the bell-ringing season. This program will employ homeless individuals to ring bells for donations, providing them with a source of income and a pathway to stability. The goal is to hire 11 individuals off the streets through this initiative.

Brindley also addressed the need for collaboration among local organizations to streamline services and improve outcomes for the homeless population. He urged the city council to consider directing a portion of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds towards homelessness initiatives, highlighting the pressing need for a coordinated response to the issue.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from council members to further explore funding options and strategies to support the Salvation Army's efforts, recognizing homelessness as a critical challenge facing the community. The council plans to revisit the discussion in December to finalize their approach and ensure effective implementation of the proposed initiatives.