OKC Standard

The Oklahoma City Council voted today to select Oklahoma City Housing Authority (OCHA) as the operating partner for the homelessness project in MAPS 4.

MAPS 4 includes $55.76 million for affordable housing options in the Oklahoma City market. The project’s strategy is to maintain and expand affordable housing, which serves vulnerable and low-income people and families. It is expected to include renovation and new construction and could potentially leverage more than $400 million in additional housing funding from other sources. 

“OCHA is uniquely qualified to develop and operate affordable housing in MAPS 4,” said MAPS 4 Program Manager David Todd. “OCHA’s approach uses “housing first” principles to address homelessness in Oklahoma City, which aligns with City Council’s intent outlined in the MAPS 4 Resolution.”

The MAPS 4 Homelessness Project will serve vulnerable and low-income populations by expanding the network of housing to serve people experiencing homelessness to more than 500 supportive housing units, preserve nearly 1,500 units of federally assisted housing that prevent homelessness and create opportunities for workforce households in high-cost areas with the construction of 150 workforce homes.

“The MAPS 4 Homelessness Project will help to transform low-income and affordable housing in Oklahoma City,” said OCHA Executive Director Mark Gillett. “The 2022 Point in Time Count of over 1,300 unsheltered people and the thousands of people on the OCHA waiting list for low-income housing illustrates an enormous need for affordable housing. 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.”

OCHA will work closely with partners at the Homeless Alliance, Mental Health Association of Oklahoma and Pivot to reach homeless and low-income families who have a need for housing and other supportive services.

OCHA was established in 1965, operating in accordance with policies established by the Board of Commissioners and statutes administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The authority is dedicated to one purpose: providing clean, safe and decent housing for low-income families and senior citizens of Oklahoma City. OCHA currently owns 2,718 public housing units and administers approximately 4,700 housing vouchers to 8,600 residents in the Oklahoma City area.

The MAPS 4 Homelessness project budget is divided into five grant allocations. On Tuesday, Council obligated a $10.76 million grant to OCHA for projects including the Creston Park redevelopment, Oak Grove Apartments project, and the creation of more than 100 supportive housing units wherein OCHA will secure additional leveraged funding. Subsequent grant allocations will be made approximately every two years.

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