Whether you’re using it as a campaign issue to galvanize angry right-wing voters, feel uncomfortable having homeless panhandlers stare you down while stopped at a red light, or have legitimate compassion for people who simply can’t afford housing, I think just about everyone can agree that homelessness in Oklahoma is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.
Well, unless you’re the Governor of Oklahoma.
Yesterday afternoon, Kevin Stitt announced he is disbanding the Oklahoma Governor’s Interagency Council on Homelessness.
Established by Brad Henry in 2004, it was a “25-member advisory body composed of public, private and nonprofit representatives working together to end homelessness in Oklahoma.”
Here’s a letter about the news that Wendy Sizzlin’ Suarez shared on social media:
That’s weird. Homelessness is a visible problem that people on both the left and right want to address, so you’d think Ole’ Stitter would keep the Council up and running.
I wonder what led to the change?
Since homelessness has been on the rise since 2004, did he disband the council for being ineffective? Is he upset they never recommend that Crazy Carol Hefner round up all of our state’s homeless and bus them back to California?
No, that would be almost too twistedly pragmatic. He justified the decision by reaching into the ye old bag of stereotypes.
“Governor Stitt believes in keeping government small and is confident that after nearly 20 years, the Interagency Council on Homelessness has accomplished their task to brainstorm solutions to reduce homelessness in the state. But the work doesn’t stop. The governor trusts the pertinent agencies, especially the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, to continue their work to reduce homelessness, in addition to ongoing efforts happening at the local level.”
Yep, Mr. Small Government disbanded to Council because they’ve submitted enough “solutions to reduce homelessness.”
Plus, Ole Stitter trusts the always adequately funded, staffed and on top-of-things Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to continue their fine work. I guess that’s good for the 33% of homeless folks who have substance abuse or mental health issues:
If you’re part of the 66% who don’t have substance abuse or mental health issues, well, sorry Charlie. As Stitt would say, get a job. Even if you, like a lot people who experience homelessness, already have one but can’t afford to live in a home because you cannot afford rent.
Anyway, if you’d like to help out homeless people in the Oklahoma City area, I’d encourage you to stop by the OKC Homeless Alliance website and check out resources or send a donation.
Stay with The Lost Ogle. We’ll keep you advised.
