Proposal to offer homeless one-way bus tickets out-of-state

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A lawmaker is proposing a way for the homeless to receive one-way bus tickets to leave the state.

House Bill 1798, authored by State Representative Dell Kerbs (R-Shawnee), would allow municipalities to use general revenue funds to purchase these one-way tickets.

"I don't know that it's a solution, bussing our people experiencing homelessness out of the state is really just making it someone else's problem and these are people," said Erin Goodin, CEO & president, City Rescue Mission.

City Rescue Mission serves up to 450 homeless individuals every night. Goodin believes as a state we should be focusing on other things.

"We could be focusing on creating more affordable housing, eviction prevention, all of the things, increasing wages for living families, decreasing daycare expenses for families," said Goodin.

State Rep. Kerbs told News 4 in a statement:

"This bill gives an avenue for municipalities to bridge the gap when nonprofits are unable to, giving individuals the opportunity to reunite with supportive family and friends who are ready to help them," said State Rep. Kerbs.

City Rescue Mission already provides bus tickets for those in desperate need.

"It's women fleeing domestic violence or some sort of situation in Oklahoma that's causing them to flee," said Goodin.

The Homeless Alliance says around 85% of those who experience homelessness in Oklahoma City were already living here.

"While opportunities to connect people experiencing homelessness to out-of-state friends and family may be helpful to some, the vast majority of people experiencing homelessness in our communities are Oklahomans," said Meghan Mueller, CEO & president, Homeless Alliance.

City Rescue Mission says most of those who are homeless want to stay in Oklahoma.

"This is where they grew up. This is where their home is. And this is the community that they want to belong in," said Goodin.

The full statement by Rep. Kerbs:

House Bill 1798 would allow municipalities to offer bus tickets to people who are homeless who voluntarily choose this option. While many churches and local organizations already assist by purchasing in-state bus tickets, cities currently lack the authority to step in and provide similar help. This bill gives an avenue for municipalities to bridge the gap when nonprofits are unable to, giving individuals the opportunity to reunite with supportive family and friends who are ready to help them.

State Representative Dell Kerbs (R-Shawnee)

The full statement by the Homeless Alliance:

“Typically, we find that around 85 percent of people who experience homelessness in OKC became homeless in Oklahoma. While opportunities to connect people experiencing homelessness to out-of-state friends and family may be helpful to some, the vast majority of people experiencing homelessness in our communities are Oklahomans. These are our friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens. Our response to seeing people who live outside cannot be limited to removing them. We must be investing in solutions that end and prevent homelessness in our communities beginning with increased investment in affordable housing.” 

Meghan Mueller, President & CEO, Homeless Alliance