House Bill , authored by State Representative Dell Kerbs R-Shawnee , would allow municipalities to use general revenue funds to purchase these one-way tickets. City Rescue Mission serves up to homeless individuals every night. Goodin believes as a state we should be focusing on other things. City Rescue Mission already provides bus tickets for those in desperate need. City Rescue Mission says most of those who are homeless want to stay in Oklahoma.
This is where their home is. House Bill would allow municipalities to offer bus tickets to people who are homeless who voluntarily choose this option. While many churches and local organizations already assist by purchasing in-state bus tickets, cities currently lack the authority to step in and provide similar help. This bill gives an avenue for municipalities to bridge the gap when nonprofits are unable to, giving individuals the opportunity to reunite with supportive family and friends who are ready to help them.
While opportunities to connect people experiencing homelessness to out-of-state friends and family may be helpful to some, the vast majority of people experiencing homelessness in our communities are Oklahomans. These are our friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens.
Our response to seeing people who live outside cannot be limited to removing them. We must be investing in solutions that end and prevent homelessness in our communities beginning with increased investment in affordable housing. Copyright Nexstar Media, Inc.
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