‘Good in everything’: OKC’s Curbside Apparel selling Thunder shirts to help people overcome homelessness

One OKC organization sells Thunder gear to help people find and maintain permanent housing. Curbside Apparel provides job training for people experiencing homelessness. 

The money people spend cheering on their team can help welcome someone into a home. Inside Curbside Flowers, there’s a lot of work to do, and everyone is welcome. On Thursday, people were making bouquets for Easter. 

Homeless Alliance Chief Social Enterprise Officer Whitley O’Connor helps lead the Curbside team. The money people spend in their stores feeds the heart of their mission.  

“Lifting people up in our community,” O’Connor said. 

You can’t spell heart without art. With the NBA playoffs on the horizon, they know people need some Thunder pride. Curbside Apparel designed Thunder-themed shirts ahead of Sunday’s playoff game. 

“We work with about two or three dozen artists in the community,” O’Connor said. “Record-breaking season. Really excited about that.”  

Darren Chance has worked at Curbside Apparel for more than a year. 

“I was struggling. I was homeless for ten years,” Chance said. 

Chance made mistakes in his life. He lived with it. His journey was tough, but he found hope. He doesn’t take it for granted. Curbside saved his life. 

“Lost my job. I’m an ex-felon. Can’t get a job nowhere else - and I got that job through prison as a matter of fact. Couldn’t ever get another job. So, I ended up homeless,” Chance said. “I just stayed homeless. Once you’re homeless, it’s kinda hard to get out – unless you have some help. Somebody to help give you a hand up. You can’t do it by yourself.” 

Ronda Ogden said she feels purposeful working at Curbside Flowers. 

“If you have a bad day, come here,” Ogden said. “I love it. It’s the best place to work. Got good people here.” 

Chance said he feels joy. O’Connor said this effort is about forming connections between neighbors. 

“I want to provide those opportunities to others the same way I got them,” O’Connor said. 

Chance sees life one way - grateful for the people who welcomed him home. 

“Gotta stay positive. It’s the only way to be,” Chance said. “Gotta always look at the good. “There’s always good in everything.” 

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