Frigid weather and snow swept into Tulsa this January, sending homeless or economically challenged locals in search of shelter and food. Brandi Johnson moved swiftly to offer help.
The north Tulsa resident, featured in a November Oklahoma Eagle article, regularly offers warm meals and supplies to locals who are struggling. When the elements get challenging, Johnson is there, offering soup, gloves or whatever she can. She also provides oatmeal and hot chocolate to others who volunteer to help.
Across town in Brookside, Toni Waldrop offered similar help.
“I’m trying to gather up supplies for the unhoused and their pets,” she posted on Nextdoor a few days ago. “Dog coats, sweaters, blankets, gloves, hats, socks, for their humans.”
This is Tulsa at its best. A city that cares for neighbors who are in dire need.
People across the city have suffered from subfreezing temperatures, snow, icy roads and slippery sidewalks these past few days. But, as always, those struggling economically bear the heavier burden. The unhoused are particularly vulnerable. They huddle near QuikTrips and under bridges, their struggle to survive easy to see. Many other Tulsans feel the brunt of harsh winter weather, too – in ways that are less visible but no less challenging.
Some have homes but inadequate heat. Others, on low or fixed incomes, lack the resources to stockpile food or other necessary supplies.
The City of Tulsa is doing its part to provide relief. City officials set up a half dozen warming stations in key parts of the city. When news of the approaching foul weather reached city officials, they moved quickly to mobilize assistance. They announced an assistance program through social media.
Several nonprofit social organizations also offered help.
Food on the Move is a stalwart in offering produce and other food to financially challenged Tulsans. They are holding giveaway events at Chamberlain Park and the TCC campus in north Tulsa. Visit the organization’s website for more information.
BeHeard, another nonprofit devoted to helping the economically distressed, is also actively reaching out to help locals who huddle under bridges, in parks or in other open places.
Tulsans swing into fortress mode when the wrath of nature strikes the city. We rush to Walmart or Reasor’s to stock up on salad mix, apples and any other produce we can scavenge. We line up for shovels and sand at Home Depot.
Amid our battles with the elements, we should remember the importance of neighbor-to-neighbor assistance. As we care for ourselves, we should never forget those who are worse off. Brandi Johnson, Toni Waldrop and others are setting the example of how we can help.
“Please don’t minimize what you do. I don’t care if you can only give a sweater and a pair of socks,” Johnson wrote on Nextdoor. “You did something. We don’t have to spend a lot or go without because we want to help others. It hurts my heart when you all bring or order things and say, ‘I wish I could do more.’ Some people don’t do a thing! No matter what you did something and that something makes a difference in someone else’s life!”
Gary Lee is the executive editor of The Oklahoma Eagle and Tulsa Flyer. You can reach him at connect@theokeagle.org.
