Homelessness in Tahlequah: A Real Conversation with Ed Blanchard - TACH

Описание: Homelessness looks different in small towns—and the solutions have to be local.

In this episode, I sit down with Ed Blanchard from the Tahlequah Area Coalition of the Homeless (TACH) to talk honestly about what homelessness really looks like in Tahlequah, the challenges our community faces, and what’s actually working.

We cover:
• What homelessness looks like in Tahlequah (and what surprises most people)
• Common misconceptions about homelessness
• How TACH supports individuals and families locally
• Why community collaboration matters
• Ways residents can help beyond just donations

This is an important, eye-opening conversation about compassion, education, and real solutions happening right here at home.

📍 Based in Tahlequah, Oklahoma

If you care about our community and want to better understand how we can support our neighbors, this episode is worth your time.

If you want to learn more about TACH click here   / 17rnaaaz2p  

00:00 – What Homelessness Really Looks Like in Tahlequah
00:25 – Defining Homelessness Beyond What You See on the Street
00:56 – Meet Ed Blanchard & the Tahlequah Area Coalition for the Homeless (TACH)
01:16 – How Long TACH Has Served the Tahlequah Community
01:43 – The Sandwich Project: How TACH Began
02:08 – How Community Support Helped TACH Grow
02:43 – Ed Blanchard’s Journey Into Homeless Outreach
03:03 – What Homelessness Looks Like Locally (Not What You Think)
03:30 – Seniors, Veterans, Families & the Working Poor
03:58 – Couch Surfing, Cars, Camps, and Hidden Homelessness
04:23 – Homelessness Impacts Families, Not Just Individuals
04:57 – Addiction, Financial Struggles, and Real-Life Causes
05:56 – Why One Financial Emergency Can Lead to Homelessness
06:46 – Living Paycheck to Paycheck in Tahlequah
07:40 – Mental Health and Housing Stability
08:05 – What a Typical Day at the TACH Day Center Looks Like
08:39 – Showers, Meals, and Basic Needs Services
09:46 – How the Community Helps Provide Daily Hot Meals
10:09 – No Judgment: How Anyone Can Access Help
10:47 – Homelessness Prevention vs. Emergency Support
11:13 – Why Saving One Meal Can Prevent a Crisis
11:57 – Building Trust With People Experiencing Homelessness
12:48 – Helping People Get IDs and Birth Certificates
13:05 – A Real Success Story: Breaking the Cycle of Addiction
14:17 – Long-Term Recovery and Community Support
14:54 – Why Homelessness Is a Complex Problem
15:13 – Why There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Solution
15:43 – How the Community Can Get Involved and Help
16:05 – Why Local Collaboration Matters
16:31 – Connecting People to the Right Resources
17:24 – How to Follow and Support TACH on Facebook
17:42 – Donation Needs: Food, Sandwich Supplies & Auto-Ship Ideas
18:44 – Hygiene Kits, Showers, and Basic Necessities
19:27 – What to Donate: Toiletries, Socks, and Travel-Size Items
20:14 – How to Help Without Giving Cash
21:11 – Where the TACH Day Center Is Located in Tahlequah
21:36 – Future Plans for a New Shelter Location
22:01 – Ways to Help Based on Your Time & Capacity
22:26 – Sack Lunches for People Returning to Work
22:54 – Supporting People During the First Month of Employment
23:18 – Winter Needs: Coats, Blankets, Gloves & Hand Warmers
24:20 – Why Community Education Matters
24:41 – Clearing Up Myths About Homelessness in Tahlequah
25:05 – Final Thoughts: How You Can Be Part of the Solution

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Edna Kimble
(918) 931-8413
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Century 21 Wright Real Estate
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