Oklahoma Connect Youth & Family Resource Fair: A Day of Support, Connection, and Community
The Oklahoma Connect Youth & Family Resource Fair is back and better than ever! Join us on October 28, 2023, at OSU-OKC for a day of fun, information and empowerment. This family-oriented event is designed for youth and young adults aged 24 and under, as well as families with children under 21, who may be experiencing housing instability or are at risk of homelessness.
Ahead of November’s National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM), ODMHSAS will “shine a light” on the experiences of youth who have run away and youth who have experienced homelessness that too often remain invisible. According to the Family & Youth Services Bureau, each year approximately 4.2 million young people experience some form of homelessness.
Most recent data (2021-2022) shows that 22,438 students were identified by the public school system as experiencing one of the many definitions of homelessness. In Tulsa, 113 unsheltered homeless youth are unaccompanied. That number is higher in OKC at 164.
Suicide and accidental drug overdose are the two leading causes of death for youth experiencing homelessness.
Youth experiencing homelessness are six times more likely to meet the criteria for two or more psychiatric disorders compared to their housed peers.
Organized in partnership with the ODMHSAS Runaway and Homeless Youth Team, Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, Oklahoma Department of Health and various youth-serving entities in Oklahoma City, this community-wide resource fair aims to commemorate National Homeless Youth Prevention and Awareness Month (NRPM). Our main objective is to connect and support those in need and prevent homelessness by providing essential services and resources.
“We are committed to ensuring that youth in crisis and those experiencing homelessness can reach out for assistance,” said ODMHSAS Commissioner Carrie Slatton-Hodges. “Together we can shine a light on this issue and keep families safe.”
Event Details:
Date: October 28, 2023
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: OSU-OKC, 900 N. Portland Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73107 (Student Impact Center Building/Parking Lot)
Highlights of the day include:
Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Trunk 'R Treat from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Bonus points for those who come in their Halloween costumes!
We have a wide range of resources available, including but not limited to:
Housing Assistance and Eviction Prevention
Health Care, Vision and Dental Services
On-site Employers and Employment Agencies
Clothing, Groceries and Hygiene Products
We invite all individuals and families who may be facing housing instability to attend and take advantage of these valuable resources. Together, we can work towards preventing homelessness and ensuring a brighter future for our community's youth.
To attend, please sign up using this link.
For more information about the Oklahoma Connect Youth & Family Resource Fair, visit their website.
Let's come together as a community to support our youth and families in need. Your participation can make a significant difference in their lives. See you at the Oklahoma Connect Youth & Family Resource Fair on October 28!
All youth and families are also invited to a free screening of the major motion picture, Camp Hideout, starring Corbin Bleu, Ethan Drew, Amanda Leighton and Christopher Lloyd on November 5 at 4:00 p.m. at Bricktown Harkins Cinema. Register for your free tickets to this family-friendly movie with themes of friendship, loyalty and belonging here.
Local landmarks will be illuminated in green in honor of NRPM. Crystal Bridge, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Guthrie Greens in Tulsa and Moore Bridge will illuminate on November 6. Followed by Skydance Bridge on November 7.
