OKC Housing Authority selected to operate MAPS 4 Homelessness Project

Last month, the Oklahoma City Council approved the Oklahoma City Housing Authority (OCHA) as the operating partner for the MAPS 4 Homelessness Project. As the operating partner, OCHA will work closely with other partners for the project, including the Homeless Alliance, Mental Health Association of Oklahoma and Pivot, to find affordable housing and other services for the homeless and low-income families in Oklahoma City.

OCHA Executive Director Mark Gillett said in a City of Oklahoma City news release that the MAPS 4 Homelessness Project will help transform low-income and affordable housing in Oklahoma City.

“Together with our partners, we are committed to removing housing barriers in Oklahoma City. Being named the operator of this transforming initiative allows OCHA and our partners to use our vast experience in housing and case management to ensure our neighbors have a safe, affordable home,” Gillett said.

The MAPS 4 Homelessness Project aims to expand the network of housing for people experiencing homelessness by nearly 2,000 housing units, including the construction of 150 workforce homes in high-cost areas. MAPS 4 has budgeted $55.76 million for affordable housing options in the Oklahoma City market. The initiative has the potential to leverage more than $400 million in additional housing funding from other sources.

Over $1 billion is projected to be raised through the MAPS 4 initiative, which ends in 2028. Of that total, nearly $56 million has been budgeted for affordable housing options in the Oklahoma City market.

“Cities across the country are implementing new and innovative initiatives to address the needs of people who are experiencing homelessness in their communities,” said Drew Dugan, vice president of education at the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “On our intercity visit to Milwaukee last year, we learned about their successful strategies, and these efforts will take advantage of that experience.”

Dugan said in order for Oklahoma City to continue its ascent as one of the nation’s best places to live, work and play, we need to make sure we are extending that growth and the city’s renaissance to touch all of our residents.

“Our citizens spoke clearly with their approval of MAPS 4 that taking care of human needs is important. At the same time, we also must make our city as safe and secure as possible for our residents and visitors. That approach will, in turn, make Oklahoma City even more attractive to companies that may be looking to expand or relocate their operations here,” Dugan said.

Oklahoma City voters approved the temporary one-cent sales tax to fund MAPS 4 in a special election in December 2019. More than 70% of those funds are dedicated to neighborhood and human needs, while the remaining 30% for quality-of-life and job-creating initiatives.