KCCU has committed to bringing you coverage from the ongoing Lawton Unhoused Initiatives and will soon provide an extensive overview of this situation from start to present day, for clarity.
On Monday, July 27th at 6 p.m., the Lawton City Council held a special meeting to hear from community entities addressing the complex issues of the unhoused population in Lawton.
The meeting was initially outlined as a 30-day check-in for the Community Action Forum, comprised of local advocates and providers who have been collaborating within the 60-day window granted by the city in June.
However, following a July 14th update from CPT Brinlee of the Salvation Army, the City Council immediately implemented a task force to address the safety concerns at the encampment known as Tent City. The council also voted unanimously at that meeting to begin efforts related to closing the encampment, although no date was set for closure.
The July 27th special meeting started with a report and recap from City Manager John Ratliff, to address the task force and how the closure of Tent City unfolded.
The full story can be heard above, where I outline the remaining schedule from the meeting and highlight moments from the two-hour session.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from this is the three major efforts currently underway, all reporting back to the City Council, yet no proper leadership or collaboration is being encouraged.
Why does it take the Salvation Army, Community Action Forum and the Lawton Kid's First all addressing homelessness, but the city not stepping in to revise an existing committee for better guidance and oversight?
One might assume these efforts would be better utilized with more cohesion and camaraderie.
Stay tuned for more on the Lawton Unhoused Initiatives from KCCU. Thank you for trusting your local public radio station and public media.
