Mental Health Association Oklahoma expands mission, providing eviction prevention services

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Oklahoma has the sixth-highest eviction rate in the country, and oftentimes, those getting evicted end up homeless.

"People like you and me probably have a list of ten or 15 friends and family that we could go stay with if we were evicted, and a lot of these folks don't have that community," said Carrie Blumert, CEO, Mental Health Association Oklahoma.

Mental Health Association Oklahoma (MHAOK) is expanding its mission through the integration of Shelterwell, an Oklahoma City-based nonprofit focused on housing stability and eviction prevention.

Over the years, MHAOK has focused on helping the homeless, but Blumert says they weren't doing anything to prevent it, which is why they're excited about this partnership.

"The evictions keep rising; they're increasing each year. We see about 18,000 in Oklahoma County," said Brad Senters, manager of eviction prevention, Shelterwell.

Through this partnership, MHAOK will expand and continue Shelterwell’s current services,
including

• Eviction Mediation Services within Oklahoma County’s eviction court system
• Pre-filing support to help tenants and landlords in Oklahoma County resolve
  disputes before they escalate to eviction
• Expansion of the LiveSteady tenant education program to empower renters and
  foster healthier landlord-tenant relationships

They also educate landlords on how to interact with their tenants.

This partnership was made possible through support from Inasmuch Foundation.

To learn more about the programs, click here.