06/18/2026
Hello Friends,
There has been a lot of airtime and posts about Norman’s homelessness issues lately. Being in the housing-related industry for 8 years now, this has been on my mind for years, and now Nicole and I have decided to do some regular food donations and volunteering, joining many other volunteers and organizations who are already helping out greatly. And, we have been asked to join a group with the same goals in mind. The group we’re working with is the White Buffalo Alliance, a local, tribal & lawyer-led community development entity.
For the past several months the White Buffalo Alliance has been conducting the INDIGIVIL Inquiry — the Norman Digital Village. The idea is simple. Instead of waiting for endless meetings, we use digital tools, research, community knowledge, and conversations with stakeholders to investigate problems and identify practical solutions. As lawyers call it, an inquiry. We gather facts, examine options, listen to people, and follow the evidence wherever it leads. Local lawyer Rick Moore is heading up the discovery. He chose me to help him with the unhoused
One of the ideas that emerged is a Recovery Village concept that combines shelter, recovery, case management, community support, and personal responsibility in a single pathway toward stability. This concept has been shaped by suggestions from council members, service providers, recovery advocates, tribal partners, community members, and people with lived experience. It’s a little like Stone Soup. Everyone brings something to the pot. A tent. A trailer. A service. A skill. A helping hand. A good idea. The Digital Village is simply neighbors working together to solve problems and then turning those ideas into real things that help real people.
Take a look at this early concept and join the conversation. Together we can build something that works for Norman.
