Nonprofit Parting Ways with City Shelter Amid Audit Controversy

In a surprising turn of events, the nonprofit organization Food and Shelter has announced its decision to part ways with A Friend's House, the city's emergency shelter, after over two years of operation. The move comes amidst a contentious audit that has raised questions about the management of facility funds and executive compensation.

Navigating the Complexities of Homelessness Support in Norman

Parting Ways with A Friend's House

Food and Shelter, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, has made the difficult decision to end its partnership with A Friend's House, the city's emergency shelter. The announcement, made through a Facebook post, cites the inability to align with the "standards we believe are essential for providing dignity and care to those in need."The move has sent shockwaves through the community, with Ward 2 Councilmember Matt Peacock expressing his dismay at the news. Peacock acknowledged the hard work and dedication of April Doshier, the executive director of Food and Shelter, and voiced his hope that this is not the end of the road for the organization's efforts to serve the city's homeless population.

The Audit Controversy

The decision to part ways with A Friend's House comes on the heels of a contentious audit conducted by the City Auditor, Shaakira Calnick. The audit report accused Food and Shelter of mismanaging $9,835.60 in facility funds between November 2022 and February 2024, with an additional $20,542 remaining unaccounted for. The report also alleged that Doshier had received unexplained raises and bonuses.In response, Doshier vehemently denied the findings of the audit, stating that the contract with the city was drafted and executed entirely by city staff. She maintained that Food and Shelter had not violated any aspect of the contract and had executed it to the letter.The board president of Food and Shelter, Adam Clinton, also weighed in, stating that the city auditor had misused the term "disappearing" when referring to the unaccounted funds and that Doshier's salary was earned over the course of her 14-year tenure as the organization's executive director.

The City's Response and Next Steps

The city of Norman has acknowledged the decision of Food and Shelter to part ways with A Friend's House, stating that they had worked in good faith to reach contract resolutions agreeable to both parties regarding the audit findings. The city respects the decision of the Food & Shelter Board and will now discuss the next steps regarding the emergency shelter operations with the City Council.Despite the parting of ways, Food and Shelter has assured the community that they will continue to manage A Friend's House until the city can find another operator. The organization remains committed to serving the community, as they have done for over 40 years.

The Importance of Transparency and Accountability

The controversy surrounding the audit and the subsequent decision to part ways with A Friend's House highlights the critical importance of transparency and accountability in the management of nonprofit organizations and their partnerships with local governments. As the city and Food and Shelter navigate the next steps, it will be crucial for all parties involved to prioritize open communication, collaborative problem-solving, and a shared commitment to serving the needs of the community's most vulnerable residents.The resolution of this complex situation will have far-reaching implications for the future of homelessness support in Norman, and the community will be watching closely to ensure that the interests of those in need are at the forefront of any decisions made.