Street Outreach Team Aims To Help Those In Need In OKC

Stephanie Newman is the Street Outreach and Rapid Response Coordinator at the Mental Health Association of Oklahoma. 

Newman goes into the field everyday with bags of lunch, hygiene kits, and blankets. The Mental Health Association of Oklahoma's outreach team serves the entire Oklahoma City metro.  

She hands them out to people experiencing homelessness and asks if they are open to working together to get housing. 

If they say no, Newman says she will still give them supplies. 

Sometimes she and her team get calls about specific people who need help. Other times, she just drives around looking for people to help.  

Newman says while that may be her job--it is also her past. She used to be in the same situation. 

"I started as an unsheltered person in Oklahoma City," Newman said. "I suffered with my own mental health and substance abuse issues."  

She said she uses her personal experience out in the field every single day, hoping that others can change their lives like she did. 

The Street Outreach Team help connect people to mental health services and follow up with people after they find somewhere to live. 

Newman said that's what makes her program different. 

"It's not just about 'let me find you a place to live,'" Newman said. "It's 'let me help you learn a different way of life.'" 

In 2020, the Mental Health Association has helped more than 30,000 people across Oklahoma. They want everyone to know that help is always a call away at 405 252 0218 

 You can visit its website for more information and resources here.