Homeless people

[Steven Myers]

I was at the Spoon concert at The Jones Assembly recently and was accosted on the way to my car by a homeless man who was very angry that I was not interested in stopping to talk to him about whatever he was wanting. He followed me to my car and urged me to roll down my window. When I started the car and began to back out he lost it and started screaming and cursing and waving his arms. He continued acting this way as he walked across the street and to the gas station. Screaming the entire time. I decided to drive through the McDonald's there on Sheridan and saw 4 homeless men come out and walk around the building. There were two people in an old car in the parking lot that were clearly homeless. Then 2 other guys walked up to the other 4 guys and they all seemed to know each other. These people were all dressed normal with backpacks and they all had smartphones. They are clearly well organized and they didn't appear to be the least bit worried about their situation. In fact, quite laid back. Except for the crazy guy earlier. They all headed south towards I40 together. I went home to the cool, safe confines of Nichols Hills. I won't be going back. There is a strange dynamic at play in that area. New construction and young money mixed with old transmission shops and vagrants. Somebody is gonna get hurt.

[dankrutka]

With the limited information from this story I thought of a few things that could be helpful... or not. I've been in that area quite a bit (especially considering I don't live in Oklahoma) as a pedestrian and cyclist and I've never encountered a problem. That's just my experience though. But I can say that with the new apartments opening and more "eyes on the street," it's bound to be a safer area for everyone (including the homeless). I don't know if you need to dismiss the entire area. Heck, it's only a few blocks from the police department if you ever need help.

Second, if I'm reading your story correctly, there seems to a difference between the homeless population and a different group of people you're describing. Is that correct? It's just important not to lump everyone into one group if their circumstances and affiliations are different.

Lastly, a decent percentage of homeless people aren't simply "crazy," but often suffer from psychological disorders like paranoid schizophrenia or some form of bipolar disorder. These disorders make it hard to function and can be the reason they become and stay homeless (related: our country is utterly failing at supporting people with disorders). I am not at all dismissing your concerns because these disorders can in some cases lead to erratic or violent behavior, but it's just important context. In many cases, the people you encounter like the person who came to your car may also be in far more danger and in need of help too.

Anyway, if you think this is serious, you might report your encounter to the Jones, OKCPD, and local homeless shelters to make sure they have this information.

[Steven Myers]

With the limited information from this story I thought of a few things that could be helpful... or not. I've been in that area quite a bit (especially considering I don't live in Oklahoma) as a pedestrian and cyclist and I've never encountered a problem. That's just my experience though. But I can say that with the new apartments opening and more "eyes on the street," it's bound to be a safer area for everyone (including the homeless). I don't know if you need to dismiss the entire area. Heck, it's only a few blocks from the police department if you ever need help.

Second, if I'm reading your story correctly, there seems to a difference between the homeless population and a different group of people you're describing. Is that correct? It's just important not to lump everyone into one group if their circumstances and affiliations are different.

Lastly, a decent percentage of homeless people aren't simply "crazy," but often suffer from psychological disorders like paranoid schizophrenia or some form of bipolar disorder. These disorders make it hard to function and can be the reason they become and stay homeless (related: our country is utterly failing at supporting people with disorders). I am not at all dismissing your concerns because these disorders can in some cases lead to erratic or violent behavior, but it's just important context. In many cases, the people you encounter like the person who came to your car may also be in far more danger and in need of help too.

Anyway, if you think this is serious, you might report your encounter to the Jones, OKCPD, and local homeless shelters to make sure they have this information.

These were all clearly homeless people. I am not a psychologist. I don't use fancy terms to describe people that act crazy. This guy was crazy. I am not the least bit concerned for his situation or if he is in danger. It's not my problem. He didn't harm me or my property so there is no need to bother the police.

[Midtowner]

One local homeless man is an acquaintance of mine from before his homelessness. He was a law student at OCU about 10 years ago. He graduated. I doubt he passed the Bar. From what I can tell, now suffers from schizophrenia. I wouldn't call him a close friend, but I know a lot about his situation, and I typically open up my pocketbook to him when I see him, which is several times a week.

I can't imagine the hell he has to go through with no viable treatment options in this state.

[mugofbeer]

One local homeless man is an acquaintance of mine from before his homelessness. He was a law student at OCU about 10 years ago. He graduated. I doubt he passed the Bar. From what I can tell, now suffers from schizophrenia. I wouldn't call him a close friend, but I know a lot about his situation, and I typically open up my pocketbook to him when I see him, which is several times a week.

I can't imagine the hell he has to go through with no viable treatment options in this state.

I don't think there are viable options for treatment in any state for those who don't want treatment. The vast majority of homeless are not "down on their luck" but have drug and/or alcohol addictions and/or mental problems. Until there can be some sort of legal way for people, such as your friend, to be forced into treatment, there will never be a resolution to the homeless problem anywhere in the country. I can tell you that the problem is far worse in many places in the country, such as here in Denver, than it is in OKC.

[Pete]

I don't think there are viable options for treatment in any state for those who don't want treatment. The vast majority of homeless are not "down on their luck" but have drug and/or alcohol addictions and/or mental problems. Until there can be some sort of legal way for people, such as your friend, to be forced into treatment, there will never be a resolution to the homeless problem anywhere in the country. I can tell you that the problem is far worse in many places in the country, such as here in Denver, than it is in OKC.

As a percentage, I'm not sure many places are better than OKC. We have a huge homeless / indigant problem.

Also, while their are resourses there isn't necessarily the long-term care (mental, adiction, life skills, job transition) and certainly not enough outreach whereby you have squads of people and vehicles out letting people know what is available, offering on-the-spot treatment for more serious problems, and transportant to where they can get help.

I ran a homeless outreach program in Los Angeles for 7 years. I know a fair amount about this issue.

[stile99]

I'm just wondering what criteria made it clear they were homeless when they had 'normal' clothes, backpacks, smartphones, and a car. The "went home to the cool, safe confines of Nichols Hills" gives me a few possible ideas, but I don't want to assume.

[Steven Myers]

I'm just wondering what criteria made it clear they were homeless when they had 'normal' clothes, backpacks, smartphones, and a car. The "went home to the cool, safe confines of Nichols Hills" gives me a few possible ideas, but I don't want to assume.

The homeless in the car were only 2 of the people. The rest were on foot. The criteria that I used to make this remarkable determination was simple observation. I know it's hard to tell the difference sometimes between hipsters and the homeless but these people were absolutely homeless. This is an area with shelters and encampments close by. Go hang out there at 10pm tonight if you don't believe me. You make the call. Then go back to your home that I doubt is a shack itself before you judge my situation just because I am honest about it.

[StuckInTheCapitol825]

I went home to the cool, safe confines of Nichols Hills.

My goodness, sir. Why did you ever leave your white oasis?

[Steven Myers]

My goodness, sir. Why did you ever leave your white oasis?

I have many black friends. I listen to rap music. I watch BET. I subscribe to JET. I speak jive. I am in fact a black man. African American to you, thanks. Assume much?

[StuckInTheCapitol825]

I have many black friends. I listen to rap music. I watch BET. I subscribe to JET. I speak jive. I am in fact a black man. African American to you, thanks. Assume much?

Because you made it seem that way because the big bad homeless guy was going to hurt you because you weren't in your little safe neighborhood.

If you don't like the world outside of your house, do something to make it better or stay inside.

[Steven Myers]

Because you made it seem that way because the big bad homeless guy was going to hurt you because you weren't in your little safe neighborhood.

If you don't like the world outside of your house, do something to make it better or stay inside.

Your original response "why did you ever leave your white oasis?" was presumptive and racist. Especially considering many of the homeless I saw were white. Thanks for your harsh non-concern for my well being regarding a stranger accosting me. That made the world a better place today.

[Roger S]

Large percentage of them have mental health problems. It's not uncommon to hear them talking, or even arguing, with themselves. I've always just shown them some courtesy and give them simple yes or no answers to their questions until they move on. It has always kept things from escalating.

Having worked down here 20+ years I can tell you it's much safer now than at any point in those 20+ years I've had an office down here.

5 years ago there were days I didn't feel safe walking to my car in the dark and now I feel comfortable walking the mile, and back, to the Chesapeake to catch a Thunder game.

[Steven Myers]

Large percentage of them have mental health problems. It's not uncommon to hear them talking, or even arguing, with themselves. I've always just shown them some courtesy and give them simple yes or no answers to their questions until they move on. It has always kept things from escalating.

Having worked down here 20+ years I can tell you it's much safer now than at any point in those 20+ years I've had an office down here.

5 years ago there were days I didn't feel safe walking to my car in the dark and now I feel comfortable walking the mile, and back, to the Chesapeake to catch a Thunder game.

I didn't feel safe in the area I was talking about. Neither did the woman who had her tire slashed while sitting in her car in front of the Jones recently. Or the family whose car window was smashed with a large piece of cement and it injured their child a block or so away from that area last week.

[Pete]

^

Exactly.

I am down in that area all the time, usually after dark. Have never felt unsafe.

Keep in mind there will soon be hundreds of apartment dwellers down there and a bunch more restaurants and bars. The area is changing as rapidly as any in OKC.

[rezman]

A couple Sunday's ago, I left the comfy, safe confines of my Edmond home and attended the Church Under The Bridge, which takes place on Virginia Ave, underneath the OKC boulevard bridge, every Sunday, rain or shine. There is a huge need for folks down there. For many, it's the only good meal they've had all week. It's amazing the joy that I saw on the faces of people who for those couple hours, didn't have to worry about anything. I will definitely be going back again.

[CloudDeckMedia]

Curse the darkness or light a candle. There are many organizations that would welcome an enthusiastic person to help them meet their mission.

[Steven Myers]

Curse the darkness or light a candle. There are many organizations that would welcome an enthusiastic person to help them meet their mission.

I did light a candle by posting this on this forum.

[Anonymous.]

This is because the Jones (and most of western edge of Film Row) is basically intruding on the homeless outreach hub of Oklahoma City. The entire area is going to have to grow together and adapt. This will be a big challenge for not only the transients, but also the non-poverty classes to get comfortable with such dynamics.

Within yards of the Jones you have: the large City Rescue Mission facility, New Life Affiliates facility, Refuge OKC complex and just down the street is the Jesus House complex. Just to the south and west you have an industrial complex that is ripe for people squatting and camping in the area.

[jerrywall]

Within yards of the Jones you have: the large City Rescue Mission facility, New Life Affiliates facility, Refuge OKC complex and just down the street is the Jesus House complex. Just to the south and west you have an industrial complex that is ripe for people squatting and camping in the area.

I'm pretty sure City Rescue is a dry facility. I don't know about the others. I wonder if this limits the outreach they can do?

[Steven Myers]

This is because the Jones (and most of western edge of Film Row) is basically intruding on the homeless outreach hub of Oklahoma City. The entire area is going to have to grow together and adapt. This will be a big challenge for not only the transients, but also the non-poverty classes to get comfortable with such dynamics.

Within yards of the Jones you have: the large City Rescue Mission facility, New Life Affiliates facility, Refuge OKC complex and just down the street is the Jesus House complex. Just to the south and west you have an industrial complex that is ripe for people squatting and camping in the area.

Exactly. This was my point. It will be interesting to see what happens to all of these facilities in the near future when the hipsters realize this is an issue. I bet the city decides it's time to move the homeless somewhere less conspicuous. Money talks. They got the trains to stop blowing their horns downtown after all because they are too special to have to hear that.

[Pete]

Exactly. This was my point. It will be interesting to see what happens to all of these facilities in the near future when the hipsters realize this is an issue. I bet the city decides it's time to move the homeless somewhere less conspicuous. Money talks. They got the trains to stop blowing their horns downtown after all because they are too special to have to hear that.

There are similar issues all over downtown.

I lived in SoSA for a year and very close to the county prison. That hasn't detered hipsters and the well-heeled alike from spending the most money per SF for homes; and rents are very high as well.


One person's scary and I'll-never-go-there-again experience is no big deal to many who see uncomfortable encounters as a trade-off for living/working so close to the best amenities in the state, and most figure out they aren't in any real danger at all. I've come across plenty of ranting people and if anything just feel sympathy for them.

For 7 years I worked in what was considered one of the 'worst' areas of Los Angeles (which is saying something) and it didn't bother me a bit. I minded my own business, treated everone I came across with respect and never had one issue.

Safety, after all, is in the eye of the beholder as the odds of any one person experiencing violent crime virtually anywhere is astronomically low.

If you simply don't like seeing such things, then anywhere in the urban core is not for you. Fair enough. Plenty of other people clamoring to go to these places and live in the area.

[Steven Myers]

There are similar issues all over downtown.

I lived in SoSA for a year and very close to the county prison. That hasn't detered hipsters and the well-heeled alike from spending the most money per SF for homes; and rents are very high as well.


One person's scary and I'll-never-go-there-again experience is no big deal to many who see uncomfortable encounters as a trade-off for living/working so close to the best amenities in the state, and most figure out they aren't in any real danger at all. I've come across plenty of ranting people and if anything just feel sympathy for them.

For 7 years I worked in what was considered one of the 'worst' areas of Los Angeles (which is saying something) and it didn't bother me a bit. I minded my own business, treated everone I came across with respect and never had one issue.

Safety, after all, is in the eye of the beholder as the odds of any one person experiencing violent crime virtually anywhere is astronomically low.

If you simply don't like seeing such things, then anywhere in the urban core is not for you. Fair enough. Plenty of other people clamoring to go to these places and live in the area.

Tell that to the woman who was also accosted outside the Jones recently. Check the News 4 website for that story. The homeless guy slashed her tire after she rushed to get in her car to get away from him. Or the family who had a homeless guy smash their car window injuring their child recently near this same area. Also on the news. I will go where I please but from now on I will be armed as I walk or have a gun ready in the car. I don't share your views of it didn't happen before so it never will. I mind my own business too but that has nothing to do with these things.

[Pete]

Tell that to the woman who was also accosted outside the Jones recently. Check the News 4 website for that story. The homeless guy slashed her tire after she rushed to get in her car to get away from him. Or the family who had a homeless guy smash their car window injuring their child recently near this same area. Also on the news. I will go where I please but from now on I will be armed as I walk or have a gun ready in the car. I don't share your views of it didn't happen before so it never will. I mind my own business too but that has nothing to do with these things.

We are talking about acutal risk and real danger vs. what is perceived.

The incident you mentioned regarding the tire... News reports say she was in her car, the guy wanted her to roll the window down and she didn't, so he punctured her tire. She took his photo as he walked away and he was quickly arrested. I'm sure it scared her but doesn't sound like she was ever at any great personal risk and certainly was not harmed in any way.

And so next time a homeless man starts screaming at you, you'll do exactly what with your ready firearm?

[OKCRT]

Exactly. This was my point. It will be interesting to see what happens to all of these facilities in the near future when the hipsters realize this is an issue. I bet the city decides it's time to move the homeless somewhere less conspicuous. Money talks. They got the trains to stop blowing their horns downtown after all because they are too special to have to hear that.

A homeless shelter in Nichols Hills would be cool.