The intense, uninterrupted heat across Oklahoma has been difficult on Tulsans experiencing homelessness.

Due to the temperatures Housing Solutions outreach team members have shifted almost entirely from case management to heat-related triage.

From the emergency medical perspective, EMSA medics have responded to 111 heat-related illness calls across all parts of Tulsa since July 1. Of those 111 calls, 72 patients have been transported to hospitals.

Adam Paluka, EMSA spokesman, said the rate of heat-related calls to EMSA is in line with what the organization receives during the hottest August weeks – not the typically cooler July.

Through July 21, Tulsa had 20 days with temperatures above normal. 14 of those 21 days climbed above 100 degrees.

Shifting to triage

Housing Solutions’ outreach team is going out to encampments and other gathering places to bring necessities such as water, food, sunscreen and hats.

Through Housing Solutions since July 1, encampment communities have received about:

– 50 cases of water,
– 100 cooling towels,
– 200 electrolyte packs,
– 27 wide-brimmed hats, and
– many more basic day-to-day supplies.

50 cases is more than 2,000 pounds, or a ton, of water.

Outreach teams are taking shifts so that they can make deliveries this weekend and avoid leaving anyone stranded without water.  

Ways to help

Bottled-water donation drop-off locations:

Iron Gate Tulsa, 501 W. Archer St.
Donations accepted seven days a week, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. or 3 p.m. on weekends. Dropoff at the west driveway and go to the glass door. Questions? Call 918.879.1702

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc., 907 S. Detroit Ave., Suite 725
Closes at noon on Fridays.

Mental Health Association Oklahoma, Walker Hall, 1729 S. Baltimore Ave.

Text HELPTULSA to 44-321 to donate to our outreach team, which brings water and basic necessities directly to those in need where ever they are.

Check on people and use cooling stations:

If you see someone in need of immediate heat-related medical attention, dial 911.

If you or someone you meet does not need immediate medical attention but needs time to cool down, direct them to these cooling stations:

Expo Square, 4145 E 21st St

Tulsa County Social Services, 2401 Charles Page Blvd.

John 3:16 Mission, 506 N. Cheyenne Ave.

The Salvation Army Tulsa, OK, 102 N. Denver Ave.