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Residents, service providers and people living in Francis (Kate) Park urge council to delay encampment dispersal until shelter capacity increases
Summary
An extended public-comment period focused on the Francis (Kate) Park encampment, with residents asking council to refrain from forcible dispersal until the new shelter opens and describing self-organization, sanitation efforts and barriers to finding housing.
An extended public-comment period at the May 12 Norman City Council meeting centered on a large encampment at Francis (Kate) Park and broader homelessness policy. Multiple people living in the camp, social-service providers and nearby residents addressed the council and urged a pause on enforcement until the city can provide shelter and wraparound services.
Derek How, who said he represents neighbors sheltering in the park, described camp self-governance and offered a list of commitments: rotating clean teams, "zero tolerance" for drug paraphernalia and active trash-management. "We are asking for safety and in return we pledge to maintain the dignity and cleanliness of this shared community space," he told the council.
Residents who live in the encampment described daily barriers to stability: mobility limitations, difficulties moving belongings, and the need for a reliable place to sleep and access services. "Don't make us move," said Carrie Tate, who described navigating reentry, medication needs, and ongoing casework to obtain identification and housing supports. Brooklyn Bills, another resident, said the camp provides a temporary foundation from which residents hope to rebuild.
Clinicians and advocates urged the council to avoid dispersal that would fragment service connections. "If we don't have an answer for where they should go, then we shouldn't be moving them," said clinical social worker Megan Strong, who said the housing crisis demands creative local solutions.
Council members acknowledged the public testimony, thanked speakers for their candor and said the conversation will continue in oversight and committee meetings. Council Member Grant told camp residents he appreciated their outreach and pledged council follow-up. Mayor Holman and other members reiterated that enforcement discretion and the availability of shelter beds are part of ongoing deliberations.
The meeting closed with the council signaling continued attention to homelessness policy, shelter capacity and potential temporary measures to reduce harm while longer-term housing solutions are developed.
