Tulsa seeks city council approval for scatter site housing model and support services

The Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity and the Tulsa Development Authority convened on April 24, 2025, to discuss the implementation phase of a new housing initiative aimed at addressing the local housing crisis. The meeting highlighted the selection of three properties for development, utilizing a scatter site model that focuses on locations near downtown Tulsa. These sites were chosen based on their accessibility to healthy food options, transportation, and social services.

The initiative involves a partnership with local organizations, including the Robinsons, who are experienced in working with the target population. The project aims to serve individuals transitioning from incarceration, with embedded services designed to support their reintegration into the community. Rachel Delcore, the criminal justice director for FCS, emphasized the importance of meeting basic needs such as food and transportation before addressing deeper therapeutic services.

Next steps include creating a resolution for city council approval, as the project will involve securing a loan from an external organization. The meeting underscored the collaborative effort required to tackle the housing crisis, with a focus on collective impact and economic mobility. An RFP has also been issued for a data evaluator to assess the project's effectiveness, ensuring that the outcomes can inform future initiatives.

Overall, the meeting set the stage for a comprehensive approach to housing and support services in Tulsa, with hopes that this pilot project will establish a model for future efforts in the community.