There are more than 12,000 abandoned properties throughout the city, according to a 2013 study conducted by GSBS Richman Consulting. The report’s authors say vacant and abandoned properties can reduce real estate values by 12 to 29 percent, or an estimated $2.7 billion total loss to Oklahoma City. City Planner Matt Gabrielson said he and […]
M.A. Smith
Posted inNews
Life after prison
“You have fines and parole fees you have to pay when you are released from prison,” Smith said. “Without a job, it makes it even more difficult.” Smith isn’t alone. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections’ 2012 Annual Report states it released more than 34,000 state inmates over the past four years. To help those released […]
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Full of hope
According to the Violence Policy Center’s (VPC) 2013 report, Oklahoma ranked third in the nation for the number of women killed by men, a startling jump from the previous year’s ranking. In 2012, VPC ranked Oklahoma at No. 17 in the nation. “Nine women each week are [killed] by their husband or intimate partner,” said […]
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Always help
That’s why the Salvation Army’s Central Oklahoma Area Command is open for everyone. Jeanean South, director of development, said emergency shelters are open 24/7 and will provide a place to sleep, hot drinks, meals, coats, gloves and other winter weather necessities. “There’s no requirement to receive help at the shelters,” South said. “If there is […]
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Feeding needs
Tyler Geohagan, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma Indeed, families who live below the poverty line find it hard to make ends meet. Feeding America estimates 1 in 6 Oklahomans struggle with hunger. That’s where Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Fresh Food Mobile Pantry steps in to offer healthy alternatives. Mobile Pantry is a pilot program […]
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Before bars
Terri Woodland, ReMerge director, said the female prison population has exploded in recent years. Oklahoma is ranked first in the nation for female prisoners. Last year alone, the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) reported Oklahoma locked up 127 women per 100,000 residents. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) reports 2,598 women were incarcerated as of […]