Facing hardship can be overwhelming, but in Oklahoma, a network of community cares programs stands ready to offer support and assistance. Whether you’re struggling with housing, utilities, or need other essential services, numerous organizations are dedicated to helping residents across the state. This guide will walk you through some key Oklahoma Community Cares Programs, providing essential information to connect you with the resources you need.
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
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Serving central and western Oklahoma, the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Oklahoma City extends its helping hand to everyone, irrespective of their background. Their comprehensive services include:
- Adoption and Pregnancy Services: Offering compassionate counseling and support for both birth parents and adoptive families, ensuring a caring path forward.
- Counseling Services: Providing professional outpatient counseling for families, children, and individuals navigating short-term challenges, fostering mental and emotional well-being.
- Disaster Services: In the immediate aftermath of disasters, Catholic Charities steps in to provide emergency funds for essential needs like food, shelter, and clothing, offering immediate relief.
- Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance: Designed as a crucial safety net, this program offers one-time assistance per year to those facing housing or utility crises, helping maintain essential stability.
- HOPE Program: A long-term family support service providing case management to empower families towards self-sufficiency.
- Homeless Services:
- Sanctuary Women’s Development Center: A secure and empowering haven for at-risk women and their children, fostering safety and growth.
- Holy Family Home: Offering supportive transitional housing for homeless women and children in a nurturing residential environment, guiding them towards independence.
- Housing Services: Expanding access to affordable housing for low-income individuals and families, building a foundation for stable living.
- Villa Isenbart: Affordable housing sponsored by Catholic Charities for seniors aged 62 and over meeting HUD income requirements, ensuring dignified living in later years.
- Trinity Gardens: Housing designed for individuals 62 and older with specific income needs, creating a supportive community for seniors.
- Immigration Legal Services: Providing crucial legal assistance to immigrants navigating complex systems, ensuring fair access to justice.
- Refugee Services: Extending support and resources to refugees rebuilding their lives in Oklahoma, fostering integration and belonging.
Community Cares Partners (CCP) – COVID-19 Relief for Renters
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Community Cares Partners (CCP), an initiative of the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, plays a vital role in Oklahoma’s community care network. Especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, CCP has been instrumental in providing COVID-19 relief for renters. This public-private partnership distributes Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) funds from various Oklahoma entities to support individuals and families facing housing instability due to pandemic-related hardships. CCP focuses specifically on assisting renter households to prevent eviction and maintain stable housing. It’s important to note that homeowners are not eligible for assistance through ERA funds distributed by CCP. For more information, visit https://okccp.org/.
Compassionate Hands
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Serving the 73099 zip code, Compassionate Hands acts as a local hub for community care, providing:
- Referrals to Community Resources: Connecting individuals with the right services and programs available in the community.
- Utility Assistance: Offering support to manage utility costs, ensuring access to essential services.
- Housing and Emergency Shelter: Providing pathways to secure housing and temporary shelter during crises, addressing immediate housing needs.
- Transportation for Elderly: Facilitating transportation for elderly residents, promoting mobility and access to essential appointments and services.
Salvation Army Central Oklahoma
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The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma extends its reach across Oklahoma, Canadian, and Cleveland Counties, offering a wide array of community cares programs:
- Emergency Financial Assistance for Utilities: Providing crucial financial aid for utility bills, depending on fund availability and often in coordination with programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Contact individual Salvation Army offices for details on available assistance programs and eligibility.
- Transitional Housing: Offering structured housing programs to support individuals in their journey towards independent living.
- Emergency Shelter: Providing safe emergency shelter for men, families, and women, ensuring immediate refuge during times of crisis.
- Red Shield Diner & Kitchen: Serving free meals to the community, addressing food insecurity and providing nourishment.
- Transportation Services: Assisting with transportation needs, improving access to essential services and opportunities.
- Senior Programs: Offering programs tailored to the needs of senior citizens, promoting well-being and community engagement.
- Boys and Girls Club Program: Located in Oklahoma City and El Reno, these programs provide children with meals, homework support, character-building activities, and recreation, fostering positive youth development.
- Disaster Programs: Mobilizing resources and support during disasters, providing aid and comfort to affected communities.
Shepherds of Love Ministry
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Shepherds of Love Ministry focuses on providing direct financial assistance for utility bills. If you are facing utility challenges, have your bills in hand and call them to explore available support. Note that they do not offer assistance for rent or rent deposits.
Yukon Sharing
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Serving residents of Yukon, Yukon Sharing provides critical assistance with utilities and rent, particularly when facing cut-off or eviction notices. They also operate a clothes closet and food bank, addressing multiple essential needs. Prescription drug assistance is also available. To access utility and rent help, a cut-off or eviction notice is required. While utility and rent assistance is focused on Eastern Canadian County, their food bank, clothes closet, and prescription aid extend to Yukon residents.
Rental/Housing or Utility Assistance – Additional Resources
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For a broader overview of programs and resources, www.needhelppayingbills.com/index.html serves as a valuable online directory, connecting individuals with various rental, housing, and utility assistance programs.
Oklahoma’s community cares programs are vital lifelines, offering diverse support systems for residents in need. By understanding the resources available, you can take the first step towards accessing the help you deserve and building a more stable future.
