A coalition of grassroots nonprofits aiming to protect vulnerable Oklahomans has been in decline since 2023. Funding and resources have been scarce, and the latest grant [[1](https://www.instrumentl.com/browse-grants/oklahoma)] from the CAFO2023 Summit [[2](https://summit.cafo.org/)] has caused a rift. Despite helping rural Oklahomans, many fear it could do more harm than good [[3](https://www.propublica.org/article/the-only-hospital-in-town-was-failing-they-promised-to-help-but-only-made-it-worse)].
As the sun sets in rural Oklahoma, a hidden path is revealed to homeless youth, where they take refuge in a world that won’t accept them. [[1](https://journalrecord.com/2023/08/05/homeless-youth-walk-hidden-path-in-rural-oklahoma/)] They cling to hope despite the hardships they face–unprotected from the elements, exhausted by the journey, but alive with a resilience of spirit.
Since 2021, two Oklahoma rural hospitals have taken advantage of Congress’ offer of a Rural Emergency Hospital license to stay open. [[2](https://www.newsbreak.com/perry-ok/3094580531461-why-most-oklahoma-rural-hospitals-haven-t-accepted-congress-offer-to-save-them)] This license provides a much-needed financial safety net, allowing them to continue to serve their communities in times of crisis. [[3](https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/finance/why-most-oklahoma-rural-hospitals-haven%E2%80%99t-accepted-congress-offer-save-them)]
The deplorable state of Oklahoma’s jails has been exposed: 60% of jails failed their state health department inspections in 2022. Violations ranged from faulty smoke detectors to raw sewage seeping into cells. [[1](https://www.kgou.org/show/oklahoma-watch-long-story-short/2023-07-19/long-story-short-most-oklahoma-jails-failed-state-health-department-inspections-in-2022)].