Thomas N. Lynn Institute for Healthcare Research, Inc.

PROJECT PURPOSE

Lynn Institute is purchasing two lots of land located in the Edwards Neighborhood in NE Oklahoma City for the purpose of building two home structures that will be utilized to provide resource connection, workforce and life skills, school success programs, health/nutrition instruction, food access, and interactive, community building services to residents living in zip code 73117, 73111 and 73105 where food insecurity, transportation, poverty, blight, and lack of resources are hurdles faced everyday by residents. House 1: The Green House: Fruit & vegetable gardens, gardening classes and experiences On the Road to Health nutrition & health classes to address chronic conditions: diabetes, high cholesterol/blood pressure Meal planning, food preparation & cooking classes , Health and vision screenings Diabetes & Heart support groups Neighborhood meal nights Fresh produce giveaways. 2: Hope House: Technology instruction and tutoring Life skill instruction ? finance, home repair, maintenance, literacy School success and tutoring Connection to benefits and resources Senior Services Workforce Instruction: Landscaping, hospitality, food service, office admin, home repair Science of Hope instruction and family integration Voice and Instrument, art, ballet, craft lessons and instruction

EVIDENCE

Lynn Institute 2021 Community Research Study which is an update of the groundbreaking Lynn LIfestyle Summary 2016 that was the first document to shed light on the inequities, poverty, blight and food desert that existed in Northeast Oklahoma City. - 2020 Health and Wellness Community Assessment, a living document intended to communicate important health related information to Oklahoma City and County residents about the health status of the ZIP code in which they reside. This document is produced by the Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD) staff and Board of Health and the Wellness Now Coalition.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

No longer a food desert, NE OKC is still described as lacking in resources and infrastructure which contribute to poor health outcomes. Free family events, food access, and nutrition programs are among the resources deficient in Northeast Oklahoma City. 14% of households in 73105 and 73111, and 21% of households in 73117 have no vehicle available. Diabetes mortality rates in 73111 and 73117 are higher than the county, state, and nation. Cardiovascular, stroke, and cancer mortality rates are higher than the county, state, and nation. The Years of Potential Life Lost per 100,000 in Northeast Oklahoma City range from 21,800 to 36,600 compared to 9,300 for Oklahoma. 50% of Northeast children under 5 are living in poverty. Residents living below the poverty level in 73117: 22%; 73111: 25.5; 73105: 14.9%. Children receiving reduced or free lunches in school include: 73117: 92.5%; 73111: 93.1%; 73105: 81%. A large percentage of Northeast residents worked in hospitality and manufacturing jobs when the COVID-19 the pandemic began and jobs were lost immediately. The Lynn Institute had been conducting food distributions monthly. Food access needs increased exponentially. Lynn increased food distribution from once monthly to once weekly and saw between 300 -700 families each week.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Lynn Institute recently completed a small park in the Edwards neighborhood that will offer outdoor activities for families, concerts, fitness opportunities, community engagement events, and other activities that will bring neighbors together to build community. The Hope Houses will now supplement the outdoor activities with instruction, resource connection, workforce opportunities, school success, life skills, support and health opportunities and instruction. Tabitha Baptist Church is land locked and space is limited for services, programs, tutoring, classes, and connection. While the Park serves as an outdoor source for some of the services, the home structures will provide an indoor, safe, comfortable, and relationship-building atmosphere.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma