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Homeless Encampment in Northwest Oklahoma City Sees Improvement in Conditions
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Homeless Encampment in Northwest Oklahoma City Sees Improvement in Conditions 

Oklahoma City, OK – One week after expressing frustration over feeling abandoned by the city, residents of a homeless encampment in northwest Oklahoma City say their situation has improved. Located at Reno and Meridian, the camp has seen a shift in treatment from authorities and an outpouring of support from the community.

Last Wednesday, Clarence Lowrey, one of the individuals staying at the encampment, voiced his emotional distress, saying, “The city gave up on us. Why? I don’t get it.” However, when asked about his situation just days later, Lowrey’s tone had changed. “It’s improved,” he said on November 26, 2024. “I was about ready to just give up on humanity and everybody, but this last week’s made a big difference.”

Residents of the encampment, which has been struggling with cold weather and harsh living conditions, say they’ve experienced a notable shift in how they are treated. According to Lowrey, police officers in the area have been more compassionate and understanding. “They’ve been a lot nicer to people staying here,” he explained, adding that this change in behavior has made it easier to cope with the cold.

Support from the community has also played a crucial role in improving conditions. Lowrey mentioned that blankets and jackets have been donated to help those at the camp stay warm. “People brought blankets, jackets, and everything for people,” he said. Many residents, including Lowrey, have been using small fireplaces to generate heat, with Lowrey offering his own mini fireplace as a communal heat source for those around him.

Calin Norman, another resident, explained that the cold has made daily life difficult, but the camp’s sense of solidarity has helped. “We’re trying to make it every day. It’s cold out here. We’re trying to set a fire, you know?” Norman said. Visitors like MJ Elkshoulder and Lazaria Shells also frequent the encampment, bringing food and offering help to others. Shells noted, “Really helps out a lot of people out here to keep warm,” while Elkshoulder added, “There’s some of us that want to get out of it. We’re going to make it out.”

Despite these positive changes, Lowrey believes that the city could still do more to assist homeless individuals. “Get a vacant lot somewhere, and just give them a place to go,” he suggested. “Give us a certain place, so we can have time to get jobs or whatever we need to do to get a place. Don’t give them a handout. Give them a hand up. That’s what we need.”

For now, while life at the encampment remains challenging, the recent improvements provide hope for the residents, many of whom are striving to rebuild their lives and find more stable living conditions. The shift in police interactions and community support has made a significant difference, but as the weather grows colder, calls for long-term solutions continue.

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