Cleveland County commissioners approved a grant proposal targeting homelessness and mental health services at their Monday, Oct. 26, meeting.
The board voted to submit the county's fiscal year 2027 Community Safety Investment Fund proposal to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS). The proposal seeks state funding for five programs: a coordinated response to unhoused individuals, treatment court participants as well as indigent county residents who do not qualify for Medicaid, adult treatment court participant assistance, mobile crisis services and expanded education, employment and housing opportunities.
The Community Safety Investment Fund is a state program created after voters passed State Question 781 in 2016. The fund redirects savings from reduced incarceration costs to county-level diversion programs, according to ODMHSAS. Counties submit proposals for approval before receiving funding.
McHughes moved to approve the consent agenda that included the proposal. Vice Chairman Rod Cleveland seconded. The motion passed.
Cleveland County has drawn from the same fund before. The county previously allocated $171,456 from the Community Safety Investment Fund to hire two sheriff's deputies for downtown Norman, according to a press release from Sen. Lisa Standridge's office. The proposal requests $795,436 in state funding.
Courthouse goes green for veterans
Commissioners also approved a resolution designating Nov. 4-11 as Operation Green Light for Veterans week. The Cleveland County Courthouse will be lit green during that period.
The proclamation notes that roughly 200,000 service members transition out of the military each year and face elevated suicide risks during their first civilian year, according to county meeting records. The initiative is part of a National Association of Counties program.
New veterans coordinator reports progress
Brandon Davis, described in meeting records as the newly appointed veterans coordinator, delivered his progress update to the board. Davis completed a basic benefits course through the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers and is partnering with American Legion Post 88 to secure full accreditation to process claims independently.
Davis reported assisting his first unhoused veteran client by securing immediate weekend shelter and starting a plan for long-term housing.
Vice Chairman Cleveland moved to approve the update. Member Jacob McHughes seconded. The motion passed.
The board also approved a memorandum of understanding with HUGS Street Ministry to place warm clothing collection bins on county properties.
Cleveland County Board of County Commissioners meeting agendas and minutes are available on the county's Legistar portal.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
