By Associated Press
Tulsa, OK – Agencies help people in homeless camps
TULSA, Okla. (AP) Social service organizations are working with the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office to break up several homeless camps and help residents find permanent housing.
Mental health, social service and housing providers have visited two homeless camps in Tulsa. The group spoke to about 25 people including parents with adult children, couples and single men and women.
Jim Lyall, associate director of the Community Service Council, says officials are trying to reach out to the homeless and encourage them to move into a shelter or other housing so they don't have to live outdoors.
Lyall says the goal is to get people in housing that can accommodate their special needs, from mental illness to coping with criminal records.
In 2006, a tent city along the Arkansas River was eradicated. It remains unoccupied.
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Information from: Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com