Eviction prevention and rehousing in Oklahoma City.
There are a few places for Oklahoma City residents to turn to for help if they are being evicted or are currently homeless. Most of them are federally funded. The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing is run by several different local agencies, however the list can change yearly based on the grant process. Another option is the WestTown Resource Center and Day Shelter, and this location is open year round.
Programs are tailored for meeting certain needs in the Oklahoma City community. Each of them will come with a formal application process in place.
- Permanent Supportive Housing is for the disabled or individuals with a mental illness.
- -The Emergency Shelter Grants can be used for preventing eviction, and this assistance is available to anyone that meets income and other program terms.
- Another option, HOPWA, will only offer help to families impacted by HIV or AIDS. There is even eviction and rehousing help available for veterans.
- The unemployed that were evicted may be candidates for transitional housing facilities.
So many different resources are provided based on the applicant's needs. Each of them has limited funding available from the federal government. When it comes to money for rent arrears, any aid is first come and served. However, non-monetary support such as case management and referrals are generally given year round in Oklahoma City. This is offered by the non-profits in an effort to stop evictions and reduce homelessness.
It is possible to receive eviction assistance using money from the Emergency Shelter Grants as well as Continuum of Care programs in Oklahoma City. A number of organizations may be allocated funds each year from these federal government HUD programs. They will use it to create or continue to offer assistance programs in the city.
The goal is to help people facing a short term crisis. Therefore, financial help for paying rent arrears may be provided to tenants facing a one time hardship due to the challenging economy. In some cases, residents have a reduction in work hours or one-time expenses such as unforeseen medical and car repair needs. Sometimes they fall behind on their rent due to their landlord due to these or other issues, and this is when eviction help may be provided by ESG.
There are also homeless individuals that are disabled. The HUD sponsored Permanent Supportive ReHousing program will offer them assistance. It includes relocation as well as support to help them stabilize their situation and achieve self sufficiency. The resident will also be enrolled into wrap-around services available in the community.
Someone with a mental or physical disability that was evicted in the past can apply for this housing resources. In order to be rehoused into a low income apartment in Oklahoma City, the client will need a source of income. It can be from a job or government entitlement such as SSI. However they do need a source of income to pay future bills on their own.
The Oklahoma City Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) provides everything from medical care to financial aid and eviction support to families impacted with HIV/Aids. The support is for the patient as well as their immediate family members.
Federal government grants can pay for emergency housing or rent expenses. If the amount due is too great, then HOPWA can either place the individual into a temporary residence in a shelter or even provide them with a free motel voucher. All of this is done to help prevent homelessness.
Anyone who wants information on any of these services can drop by at the WestTown Resource Center and Day Shelter, which is part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Service. Not only can a tenant that is facing eviction stop by for referrals, but the center also helps the currently homeless. The location is open to the general public.
Applying for homeless prevention and rapid rehousing in OKC
Residents of the city can learn about mainstream benefits such as section 8, receive a hot meal, or use the center for hygiene needs such as a shower. Both volunteers from faith-based organizations as well as social workers may be on site to give support. For more information on these resources, dial (405) 415-8410, or receive referrals from the resource center at 1724 NW 4th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73106.
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