McLoud residents raise concerns over possible homeless center

MCLOUD, Okla. (KFOR) — There’s growing concern in McLoud over a proposed center to help the homeless.

Steeple Haven Rehabilitation Center has big goals to provide refuge and transform lives, but not everyone in town sees the vision.

“I’m a mother of three and it is extremely scary,” said Maranda Tillman, speaking against the center.

Tillman is a longtime resident of McLoud and recently started a petition that’s already maxed out with 1,000 signatures.

She believes the small town does not have ample resources.

“We don’t have the police resources, as we have to call the sheriff’s department. It can take 15 to 20 minutes for them to come out here. We don’t have the fire response, we don’t have the EMS response,” said Tillman.

Others say they are in support of the mission.

“I have no opposition about it, we just have to find out exactly what direction they’re going to be going,” said Thurman Wahpekeche, who supports the center.

Wayne Hines who will run the center with his wife describes their approach as a ‘Radical Life Boot Camp.’ He says the center will house a dozen people at a time.

“We’re not bussing people in, it’s not a shelter, it’s not a drug rehab, it’s not a detox center. It’s designed only to take this small group of people and have multiple people a day, work with them, hands on and do life with them and give them the support system they need,” said Hines.

Another concern those against the center have is safety, since it’s located within walking distance from homes.

“I don’t want them walking down my road, I don’t want them scaring my children,” said Tillman.

Hines believes that will not be the case.

“Once you’re here, you’re here. You’re either leaving with one of our people for a particular destination and coming back. You know, there’ll be alarms on windows and doors,” said Hines.

The center planned to open in October, however, there is now a stop work order on the door, so the future is unknown.

“We’ll get that taken care of and we’ll keep moving,” said Hines.

Those against the center hope the order will prevent them from opening.

“We’re not looking to do anything crazy here, we just want them to stop,” said Tillman.

News 4 has also learned legal action will be taken against the center. A fundrai ser has been created to help cover the expense.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.