Tulsa Residents Voice Concerns as Operation SAFE Displaces Homeless

Residents in Tulsa, Oklahoma, are expressing growing concerns as a state-led initiative known as Operation SAFE displaces homeless individuals into nearby neighborhoods. The program, which stands for Swift Action for Families Everywhere, aims to clear homeless encampments from state-owned properties, particularly along highways. Since the implementation of this initiative, many residents have noticed an increase in the number of homeless people near their homes and schools.

Kyndal Baker, who moved to the area near 51st and Yale earlier this year, shared her concerns with local news outlet News On 6. She observed a significant change in the past few weeks, stating, “Ever since the past few weeks, implementing the new policies, they don’t really know where else to go. And so they’ve been coming into the neighborhoods.” Baker recounted an incident where she found a man lying on her lawn, watching videos on his phone. This unsettling experience reflects a broader trend, as many residents report similar encounters.

Many in the community believe the influx of homeless individuals is directly linked to Operation SAFE’s enforcement efforts. Baker noted, “Right at the highway overpass. Those are the days when we see them coming in most frequently.” This correlation appears to hold true, as residents observe a pattern that coincides with police sweeps of encampments under the I-44 overpass.

Concerns for safety have risen, especially with reports of makeshift camps appearing near local schools. Baker emphasized that her worries are not about blaming individuals, but rather about feeling safe in her own neighborhood. “It’s difficult because you have to make the decision between confronting them and possibly getting hurt, or calling the police,” she explained.

While neighbors feel conflicted about involving law enforcement, they also fear that allowing the situation to escalate could lead to more significant issues. Baker acknowledged, “There’s no perfect solution. But I think this solution should have been fleshed out a little bit more before being implemented.”

Operation SAFE’s efforts in Tulsa concluded on September 17, 2023. Governor Kevin Stitt announced that during this phase, authorities cleared 64 encampments and removed over 1.97 million pounds of debris. Stitt praised the professionalism of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) and state crews involved in the operation, asserting, “They completed this work with the most courtesy and professionalism.”

Looking ahead, Stitt highlighted the need for local leaders to prevent encampments from re-emerging. The OHP and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation plan to continue monitoring state property, indicating that individuals refusing housing assistance and breaking the law may face legal consequences.

Despite the clearing of sites, some areas are already beginning to fill up again, raising concerns among residents like Baker. “We don’t know what’s next,” she remarked, reflecting the uncertainty many feel about the future of their neighborhoods in the wake of Operation SAFE.

As the community grapples with these changes, the balance between safety and compassion for the homeless remains a challenging issue for Tulsa residents.