City of Norman prioritizes responsible and compassionate response to homelessness with new team members

Opioid settlement funds utilized to establish Social Services Office

The City of Norman is strengthening its efforts to address homelessness, substance use, and related community challenges with the addition of two new employees focused on outreach and social services: Amanda Sherf, Community Services Manager, and Kara Fritts, Community Outreach Social Worker.

The positions are funded through proceeds from the Distributors Oklahoma Settlement Agreement, a long-term opioid settlement payout that supports prevention, outreach, treatment, and recovery initiatives across the state. Housed in the Office of the City Manager, Sherf and Fritts will work closely with the Division of Proactive Community Engagement.

"We hear and understand the concerns of the community when it comes to tackling homelessness," said Shannon Stevenson, Assistant City Manager. "Elevating those in crisis takes creative problem-solving and consistent collaborative efforts, which these new team members will be dedicated to."

Sherf is charged with developing and overseeing the City's new Social Services Office as the Community Services Manager. Specifically, she will work toward coordinating homelessness response efforts across City departments, managing contracts related to homelessness and substance use prevention, and working closely with businesses, residents, nonprofits, and community partners.

"I was interested in this position because I want to make a difference in our community and help a vulnerable population that is experiencing homelessness and substance use," Sherf said.

Sherf brings nearly eight years of experience in mental health, substance use treatment, and housing services. She holds bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice and a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Having officially come on board in May, she noted that her first several weeks with the City has been both busy and rewarding as she learns the inner workings of municipal government and collaborates with so many professionals across community.

"Everyone's concerns are valid. This population is human, just like you and me," Sherf said. "Stability can occur when there is accountability, respect, and a support system in place to help guide someone toward their goals."

The City also welcomed Kara Fritts as its new Community Outreach Social Worker. Fritts' role focuses on outreach, engagement, and resource coordination for individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and other barriers to stability.

Fritts conducts outreach at encampments and day shelters, responds to concerns from residents and businesses and collaborates with resource providers and neighbors while helping to connect individuals with housing, healthcare, behavioral health services, transportation, and other critical resources.

"I was excited to learn about this opportunity because it aligns closely with what I believe to be my life's purpose: serving others and helping people overcome challenges," Fritts said.

Fritts brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the position. Her background includes serving as a Recovery Support Specialist and Outreach Worker, as well as a Behavioral Health Case Manager, at Central Oklahoma Community Mental Health Center; a Crisis Support Specialist at Red Rock Behavioral Health Services; and a Shelter Advocate at City Care.

"I would like our community to know that the work we do is rarely black and white," Fritts said. "Many of the situations we encounter involve years of trauma, instability, and barriers that aren't fixed overnight. Meaningful change takes time, patience, collaboration, and trust."

Fritts said one of her primary goals is to serve as a bridge between the community and the organizations, service providers, and municipal partners working to address complex social challenges.

"Above all, I hope to work as an advocate for those who don't feel heard and a resource for anyone needing guidance, support, or understanding," she said.

These new positions are part of the City's broader effort to take a coordinated, proactive approach to homelessness and substance use challenges in Norman. The City aims to strengthen outreach, improve coordination among departments and community partners, and expand support for individuals working toward stability and recovery to make a stronger and safer Norman.

"The City of Norman remains committed to compassion, accountability, and community collaboration as we work to improve the quality of life for all residents," said Stevenson. "While there isn't one quick fix to some of the challenges we face, we remain hopeful of creating meaningful change to reduce homelessness over time."

Voters approved an $8 million bond to construct a permanent new homeless shelter on April 7, which is expected to come on-line by 2028. Learn more about steps taken to address and curve homelessness in Norman at Normanok.gov.

OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS INFORMATION

The City of Norman will receive approximately $248,743.89 annually over an 18-year payout schedule through 2038. In August 2024, Norman City Council approved a contract with the State of Oklahoma that provided $1,164,638.07 in funding for years 1-4 and a partial payment for year 7. In addition to Social Services positions, those funds have already supported programs such as the A Better Way Opportunity Knocks Program (ABWOK), additional Narcan reserves for the Norman Police Department, and a contribution to a drug treatment program at the Cleveland County Detention Center for Norman residents.

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