UPDATE: A groundbreaking resource for homeless youth in Oklahoma has just launched, providing crucial support for those navigating life without a permanent home. The Oklahoma Homeless Youth Handbook, introduced in December 2023, is now available online and offers assistance with obtaining legal IDs, housing, SNAP benefits, and educational enrollment.
Developed by Oklahoma Appleseed in collaboration with various law firms, this free handbook is designed to help young people aged 17 and under, who make up 10% of Tulsa’s homeless population. Another 8% are between the ages of 18-24, according to the recent Point in Time count, which revealed that 1,449 individuals in the city are experiencing homelessness.
“This work directly aligns with our mission to support youth and end homelessness in Tulsa,” said Mayor Monroe Nichols on Facebook. “As we have come to learn, homelessness is not a one-agency issue. It takes all of us working together to coordinate care and reduce barriers.”
The handbook tackles pressing legal concerns faced by homeless youth, including the struggle to obtain a legal ID. Jaclyn Pampel, a pro bono partner at Baker McKenzie, emphasized the importance of this issue, stating, “Without a legal ID, young people often find themselves taking work under the table, leading to a host of other problems.”
In addition to guidance on legal IDs, the handbook covers essential topics such as where youth can legally sleep and the process of changing schools. While the handbook does not provide specific legal advice, it offers pathways to legal aid organizations for further assistance.
To ensure privacy, the website includes a safe exit button, responding directly to feedback from focus groups. This feature is critical for youth accessing the handbook in public environments.
Physical copies of the handbook are expected to be printed by the first quarter of 2026, with plans for outreach to schools and organizations to raise awareness of this vital resource. Oklahoma is now the 13th state to create such a handbook, joining Washington, D.C., in this initiative. Pampel expressed aspirations for similar resources to be established in all 50 states.
As the need for assistance among homeless youth continues to grow, this handbook represents a crucial step toward empowering vulnerable young people in Oklahoma. Share this urgent news to spread awareness about the resources available to those in need.
