The encampment below the levee on the Arkansas River west of downtown Tulsa has grown since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. Shelters downtown have limited contact and entry, so more people are camping. Mental Health Association Oklahoma is still doing homeless outreach, bringing food and toiletries as well as information about COVID-19. Outreach coordinator Jessica Kelly expects to see an increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness as the financial crisis drags on.
With a skyrocketing unemployment rate in Oklahoma the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma is seeing a huge increase in demand from member food pantries. Hunger Free Oklahoma saw a 2nd crisis with out of work service industry workers. They are paying restaurants to prepare meals for families, which helps to keep restaurant workers employed.
Iron Gate usually feeds 218 people in its dining room. Due to COVID-19 outbreak they have had to switch to grab and go meals. The grocery pantry has seen a 40 percent increase in traffic. Employees have even seen volunteers and donors in the line getting groceries.
