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TULSA, Okla.– Tulsa’s Landlord -Tenant Resource Center and Tulsa County District Courts are partnering to provide eviction-prevention information to individuals as they begin the court process. Tenants will be provided with a one-page document when they receive their Court Summons (eviction notices) that educates tenants on available-resources. In addition to listing resources, the one-pager will connect tenants to in-person resources at the newly formed Tulsa County FED Docket Social Services Hub.
“With the eviction moratorium coming to an end it is more important than ever that we provide tenants with the information they need to remain in their homes,” said Becky Gligo, executive director of Housing Solutions which is leading the collaborative effort, “We are thankful for the court’s assistance in helping provide information about resources for those involved in the eviction process.”
Social Services Hub
District Judge Doug Drummond said the court will continue to provide both landlords and tenants with an objective and fair process in the courtroom based on the law. “But we think it important that the parties have information that will allow them to resolve cases before they get to court, and, if a tenant does get evicted, providing them with access to resources that helps find them other housing.”
The new Social Services Hub will provide daily in-person support at Iron Gate which is conveniently located right across the street from the courts. This will allow individuals to have efficient in-person access to resources and walk directly to their court appointment with the details and information needed. Social Service Hub partners include Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, the Landlord Tenant Resource Center (Housing Solutions), Still She Rises, the Early Settlement Mediation Program, Tulsa County Courts, and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, among others.
Resources available for tenants
Drummond also said the court plans to move the FED docket from its current juvenile center location back to the downtown courthouse in 2022. “The Tulsa County Commissioners have been instrumental in obtaining additional space for the docket and we believe that space will continue to help tenants and landlords appearing on this docket. Everyone in this process understands that this is a challenging issue for all parties.”
“Providing resources with summons notices, providing support geographically near the courts, and providing day-of-hearing support will increase the likelihood that Tulsans facing eviction have the resources needed to remain in their homes,” said Shandi Campbell, director of the Landlord Tenant Resource Center, a program of Housing Solutions.
The Tulsa County District Courts plan to issue an administrative order to begin distributing the information with summons as soon as Monday, Aug. 2.
“As with any new project, there will be some challenges but we hope to make changes as needed to assist providing important resources to the parties,” Drummond said.