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Historic Tulsa church helps homeless during below freezing temperatures

Vincent Hill/ KJRH

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TULSA, Okla. — Brandon was on his way to a promising career. He was enrolled in Spartan College of Aeronautics.

“I had a full time job," Brandon said. "I was a certified forklift operator, certified crane operator.”

But bad choices in life led to misfortune in life.

“These minor things I went to prison for, they’re what most people are on the streets for, like drugs and alcohol," Brandon said.

Now he lives in a tent behind the historic Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church. Brandon said he survives the brutal cold and living alone by his faith.

“If you believe in God or the lord, you’re going to wake up just fine," he said.

The church helps people like Brandon with food and warm clothes daily. Gerald Sanders has been a member for over 70 years.

“Everyday, I come down here, I thank God for giving me the opportunity to be a blessing for those less fortunate," Sanders said.

Sanders said it's important that the homeless are treated with respect and as people.

"Nobody is born homeless," he said.

The church feeds anyone in need seven days a week starting at noon. They also pass out blankets, gloves, socks, shoes and clothes.

"Come see us. If we can help, we will," Sanders said. "And if we can’t we know where to turn them to.”

If you would like to donate to Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church, call 918-587-1428 or click here.

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