Oklahoma Eagle Newswire
By Rick Neal
Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” This is a question that the Tulsa Housing Authority has been answering for half a century.
In September of 1967, the Tulsa Housing Authority (THA), enacted by Tulsa Mayor James Hewgley and the Tulsa City Commission, opened its doors to the public. Within a decade of serving its first program participant, THA had built 13 public housing complexes, purchased 100 scattered housing sites, and had provided the city with 2,300 new housing units. In total, by September 1977, more than 5,160 of Tulsa’s most vulnerable citizens were being served by this organization.
Fast forward to 2017. This year, as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, THA manages over 8,100 units which house close to 20,000 Tulsans, nearly 5% of Tulsa’s population. These single parents, veterans, elderly and disabled are not just housed, but equipped with the tools that they need to evolve and thrive. Importantly, THA ‘s impact on our community over the last 50 years has not happened in a vacuum. Rather, it has been through robust partnerships with the City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, numerous non-profits and community allies that THA has been able to pro-vide those we serve with much-needed support to transcend their current circumstances and realize their highest potential.
On September 29, 2017, THA celebrated its 50th year of service in Tulsa. When I think of the journey that this organization has taken to provide our most vulnerable citizens with safe, afford-able housing, I’m both inspired and motivated. Inspired that our community has called on THA to play such a pivotal role in touching the lives of so many. Motivated to ensure that THA remains relevant and effective in the future.
When I reflect on the question posed by Dr. King, his description of the question as “persistent and urgent” is as important as the question itself. I believe that Dr. King was urging each of us to become part of a greater safety net that affords our neighbors with the support they need, not merely to exist, but to soar. For the past 50 years, THA has woven its part of this safety net with every person it serves. Our community partners do the same through their long-time commitment to THA and its mission. Together, we respond to that persistent and urgent question. Together, we strengthen our community and change the world around us by doing for others.
Tulsa is a generous and caring community blessed with enlightened leadership throughout its his-tory which THA has reflected for the last 50 years. Celebrating that heritage and looking to the future, the THA Board of Commissioners has recently approved a new strategic plan which lays the foundation for the Authority’s next 50 years. It is our deepest desire to see this great community continue to do for others by providing services that enhance the quality of life of every per-son that we have the honor to serve. For as Dr. King was wise enough to see more than 40 years ago, service to others is one of the few things in life that benefits the giver as much, if not more, than the receiver.
