Shawnee, Oklahoma, October 11, 2022 – The City of Shawnee Homeless Program has made some incredible progress in the last few months, including the creation of the “Homelessness in Shawnee Roundtable,” consisting of a group of more than 30 organizations that serve the community’s homeless population. This group meets monthly for the purpose of coordinating services, reducing duplication of efforts, filling gaps in the system of services, and meeting individual needs.

The Homeless Program also embarked on a sanitation project this summer, placing 5 porta-potties and a shower trailer downtown, as well as collaborating on a laundry service to ensure that those experiencing homelessness had access to safe and adequate facilities to help aid in healthy living. With more than 700 showers given, there was a significant decrease in cast-off clothing downtown. The library also saw less restroom traffic, and business owners reported a drastic decrease of human waste.

The Homeless Resource Center (HRC) began operating on July 18 and is housed at the Shawnee Rescue Mission located at 506 S. Beard St. The HRC strives to decrease visible homelessness in downtown during business hours by meeting the needs of the homeless population more effectively. Since its opening, the HRC has seen more than 1,700 individuals, offering a safe place to rest, socialize, receive case management, search for jobs, and more. The HRC is currently open on Mondays from 10 am to 6 pm, on Wednesdays from 1 pm to 6 pm, and on Saturdays from 10 am to 6 pm.

While the initial cadre of volunteers has done a remarkable job of staffing the Homeless Resource Center, more volunteers are needed so that the center can be open six days a week from 8 am to 6 pm. These volunteers will assist clients with job searches, connect them to service organizations, and help with individual documentation needs. Ideally requiring a commitment of 4-6 hours per week, the volunteer positions are part-time and unpaid.

To learn more about how to become a volunteer, simply fill out the application form at the following link: https://www.shawneeok.org/government/departments/planning/get_involved.php
or click here for a Volunteer Packet.

 For additional information about the homeless program, please contact the City of Shawnee’s Homeless Program Coordinator Erika Genty at 405-878-1543 or Erika.Genty@ShawneeOK.org.