Tulsa Shelters Work To Keep Residents Warm Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

As freezing temperatures and rain move into the Tulsa metro, local shelters that have begun to open their doors are doing all they can to make sure people are protected from the cold as well as COVID-19.

Tulsa warming shelters, such as the John 3:16 Mission, are opening their doors to anyone who needs a warm place to stay. Their main location is in Downtown Tulsa and while they are open to anyone, they are taking COVID-19 seriously and work to minimize the risk of infection.

Rev Steve Whitaker with the mission said when someone arrives at the shelter their temperature is checked, they are asked a series of questions concerning COVID-19 possible contact and are continuously monitored for symptoms of the virus. According to Whitaker, they are doing everything they can to keep people safe.

Whittaker said, "There’s still a lot of noses we haven’t accounted for and we are trying to do our very best to make sure they are inside and out of the cold weather."

Similar shelters, like the Center of hope downtown, are also opening their doors to those in need this week, but capacity is limited due in-part to physical distancing measures being taken as well as seniors and children being given first priority.