Currently working on:

Rental Assistance Available! Limited funds, so apply TODAY! Click here for more information!

• For loss of income due to the pandemic
• State Funds up to $3600; County funds cover up to $3000
• Tenants and landlords can apply

The state of Oklahoma ranked in the bottom fifth of the nation in their response to the eviction crisis during the pandemic, receiving zero stars out of 5 from Eviction Lab. On June 1, Allied Communities of Tulsa Inspiring Our Neighborhoods (ACTION) and Voices Organized In Civic Engagement (VOICE) invited elected officials to help address the issue by pausing evictions and using CARES Act funds for rental assistance to tenants and landlords. At ACTION's urging, the city council of Tulsa unanimously approved a resolution asking the governor to extend the moratorium as requested.

In response, the Governor allocated $10m in CARES Act funding for rental relief, with $5 marked for Tulsa. In addition, meetings with County Commissioner Ron Peters resulted in another $15m to boost the program.

We’ve heard stories from families who have lost their jobs or had their hours cut, making it difficult to pay their rent. If you have a story to share about dealing with an eviction or other landlord/tenant issues, contact christy.action@cox.net.

Join ACTION in asking our Congressmen to support families with a new, bold relief bill! Sign on and share the petition with others to let our senators know we care for our families!

Holding candidates accountable -

ACTION drew more than 500 attendees to two online city candidate accountability sessions on Aug 6 and Aug 13. The accountability sessions were framed with stories told by Tulsans about how they are impacted by the Health crisis, Economic recovery efforts, Racial inequity, and Eviction worries. City Council and Mayoral candidates were asked how they would address challenges like these for Tulsa families, and to pledge to work with ACTION for long-term solutions. “We are looking for bold leaders who are HERE for our families,” said Deanna Tirrell, ACTION president. 

Immigration Issues

We call on the Board of County Commissioners to END the 287(g) contract in Tulsa County. 

This agreement costs taxpayers while jeopardizing safety in the Hispanic community. With the threat of COVID-19, it is imperative to reduce the jail population by focusing only on people who truly present a danger our community. Since OK State Statue 22 O.S. §171.2 (OCSN 2019) already requires an immigration status check for anyone arrested for a felony or DUI, the 287(g) program merely serves as a dragnet to subject low level offenders to deportation, often after many productive years in our city, requiring them to leave behind jobs, homes, and families. 

Read the full ACTION statement here.

Tulsa World editorial: End Tulsa's involvement with the federal 287(g) immigration program

To find out how your organization can be involved, contact Kris King at iaftulsa@gmail.com

Student Loan Debt - 

The Student Loan Borrower’s Bill of Rights overwhelmingly passed the house, and had bi-partisan support in the Senate, but was not heard before the 2020 session ended. This bill requires loan servicers to give accurate information to borrowers, including their full range of payment options if they have trouble paying back a loan, rather than just forbearance. It is imperative that student loan borrowers have the right to fair lending practices. We look forward to it being presented in the next legislative session.

There are over 44 million people who owe more than $1.5 trillion in the U.S. simply because they sought an education. Learn about a Tulsa woman who has been grappling with student loan issues for years: "I beat cancer, but I can't beat my student loan problems!"

If you have a story you’d like to share about how a debt collector has harassed you or a family member because of student loan debt, please contact ACTION at iaftulsa@gmail.com

Public Education Support - 

Parents, teachers, legislators, school board members, and local residents have long shared stories of how their families are being impacted by too little funding for our schools. We hear stories of crowded classrooms, difficulty finding teachers to hire, classroom safety for students and teachers, and the impact the lack of children's mental health services. ALL of these issues are made worse by the current pandemic crisis! We are talking with administrators and experts in childhood trauma to explore ways for children to get help and for teachers and support staff to be supported. 

Criminal Justice Reform - At the District Attorney Candidate Accountability Session last election cycle, our team was challenged by Tulsa County DA Steve Kunzweiler to see what really goes on in the courtrooms in relation to fair bail amounts and alternative sentencing opportunities. In response, we trained over 20 Court Observers in partnership with Still She Rises who observed bail hearings and arraignments. The team has been sharing information about SQ805, which will result in fairer sentencing.

If you need help in the Tulsa Area with ASSISTANCE FOR LOSS OF INCOME, RENT, MEDICATION, CHILDCARE AND MORE, start here with the United Way's Covid-19 Resource Page or call 211. 

IAF Network Supports Help for Families

ACTION, and the 65 other members of the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) network to which we belong, urged Congress to deliver an economic stimulus plan that protects those who urgently need help the most: American workers, families, and small businesses on the front lines of this national emergency. We ask our leaders to focus on Urgent Principles for Maintaining Economic Stability

We stand together!

Taking Action-

Terminating 287(g) in Tulsa County

Candidate Accountability Sessions Present Concerns of Families