Oklahoma community action agencies financial assistance programs.
Non-profit community action agencies in Oklahoma can offer direct assistance, outreach, and various programs to low income families and individuals. Short term resources can help people with meeting their basic needs, such as housing, food, and utilities. Case managers will also partner with clients to offer more long term help, which would include employment, child care, and ongoing case management.
Most of the centers listed below will have some form of Client Services organization. This can provide direct assistance for families and seniors to help them obtain food, clothing, or needed school supplies. While more limited, grants or financial aid may be offered too. This can help pay for utilities, rent and other housing costs. Some of the other support offered by Client Services in Oklahoma includes job training, home buyer education, credit repair, and family budget counseling. Also agencies provide ongoing follow-up to ensure needs are met.
Financial assistance programs from community action agencies
A prescription assistance program is Rx for Oklahoma. Medications and health care assistance is offered for individuals who are uninsured or under-insured. The program is administered by a number of community action agencies in the state. Staff and volunteers assist with the process of applying to drug companies and national pharmaceutical manufacturers to obtain medications at a reduced cost or no cost.
It is a free service, there are no age restrictions, and even Medicare/Medicaid patients are welcome to join. Note that the entire process takes approximately one month to complete so only long term medications will qualify will qualify, and clients will not need to pay fees or co-pay amount for processing the necessary paperwork.
Energy conservation/Weatherization will help people save money on their cooling and heating bills. The program uses the latest in techniques such as Electric Load based testing, Blower doors, Carbon monoxide testing, duct efficiency, gas leak testing, heater cleaning or replacement and efficiency, air leakage, and more. The program can potentially save homeowners a few hundred dollars on their utility bills per year, and it is offered at no cost to residents.
Safety issues are addressed as well. For example, each house is tested for carbon monoxide, and when this is detected, measures are taken by contractors in an effort to identify the source and take corrective action. Other measures paid for by the state of Oklahoma or federal government may include replacing broken windows, holes patched, water heaters replaced, heaters cleaned/tuned or replaced.
The Summer Cooling Program can help pay utility bills during the hot Oklahoma summer months. When the temperature hits extreme levels, this program provides resources such as free fans to the elderly and low-income families or people with a medical condition. Rarely there may be some cash grants from LIHEAP that can pay for air conditioning expenses.
Mortgage/Rental assistance resources and financial aid programs may occasionally be funded. Resources were designed to assist lower income and struggling families that have experienced a family emergency that rendered them unable to pay their housing costs, including rent or mortgage. Applications are by appointments only and will usually lead to ongoing case management as well.
Any funds for paying rent from a community action agency in Oklahoma are available using referrals. A case manager can help a family locate a program for their needs and also help them complete any forms to apply (if needed). All resources are limited, but find other non-profits that offer rental assistance.
Information and referral services are provided by community action agencies. Clients can get information on other local social service agencies and federal or state government assistance programs.
Crisis intervention funding is available on a limited basis when someone is faced with a hardship. Funds can be used to pay for expenses such as prescriptions, medical care and partial payments on utility bills.
Transportation assistance may be offered in the form of bus passes or rarely a voucher for gasoline. Having transportation to an interview, medical appointments, or social service agencies is very important to seniors or the unemployed. So non-profit agencies may have bus tokens or similar assistance.
Community Action agencies in Oklahoma can refer clients to other car and/or transportation programs too. Low income families can find financing. Or maybe a free used car for work or job training. Some agencies and charities may offer this service in various communities. Read more on getting free cars near you.
Another medical type program available is the OklahomaRx Discount Card. This particular service was created by the state to address skyrocketing drug prices. It is a free card, and there are no costs to use it either. It can provide patients with savings of 10%-55% on their medical needs and will therefore provide significant discounts on prescription drugs for all Oklahoma residents.
While the savings will vary based on several factors, in general individuals who do not have health insurance coverage that pays for or reimburses prescription drug costs will benefit more than others. They will receive the greatest savings from the discount card. Staff from community action agencies can help people apply for the discount card.
Emergency Home Repairs may be coordinated. In some cases the homeowner may be provided a grant or low interest loan to pay for them. In other instances the repairs will be done for free. The objective of this housing program is to eliminate specific safety, health and sanitary hazards for residents. Repairs or improvements can be made for electrical and/or plumbing issues, central heat, and roof repairs too. The Oklahoma program also provides self-help materials and guidance to residents capable of performing the work on their own.
Nutrition is offered for seniors and children. Dozens of congregate meal sites are located throughout the state. For individuals over 60 years of age, they can receive free hot lunches at a senior center. Other activities are normally held there as well, such as health care, recreational gathering, and companionship. Children can look into summer meal programs, which can help feed someone when a school lunch is not available. Lastly, many towns in Oklahoma have a Meals on Wheels service. Volunteers from non-profit community agencies and churches can deliver a hot and healthy meal/food to the homebound.
There are also free food pantries in Oklahoma, and community action agencies in the state will have details on them. They can be used for free groceries or even household items, such as toilet paper, detergent or soap. Or a food bank will have personal toiletries. Locate free food banks and pantries in Oklahoma.
Transit services may be offered in order to help people meet their medical, social, nutrition, and employment needs. In addition, many agencies work with both Head Start and Senior Nutrition Programs to provide daily transit services for children or senior consumers.
The government Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing (HPRP) Program can offer financial assistance, grants, and other services to prevent Oklahoma individuals and families from becoming homeless. Some funds can be used for rent, energy bills, deposits, and similar needs. In addition, someone who is currently experiencing homelessness can receive support to be quickly stabilized in a new home or apartment.
Additional services
Head Start in Oklahoma is a comprehensive child care program that provides assistance and support to children from low income families and their families. The program provides for the educational, health, and emotional needs of every qualified child on an individual basis. It also strives to identify and address any learning disability before the child enters public school.
Some of what be provided includes medical, health, dental, nutritional and mental health services. In addition, developmentally appropriate learning activities are provided to both the parent and child. The services can encourage independence, self confidence, and promote social competence in the entire family. Children will be exposed to a large variety of activities that encourage physical, cognitive and emotional growth.
Senior Citizen Services are wide ranging and extensive. Congregate Meal sites will serve the elderly a free hot meal and also hold other activities at the same time. Some centers even provide transportation. Home visits can be organized by agencies to check up on individuals and to see what they may need. One example is the Gatekeeper Program. Volunteers and specialist will make a home visit to determine the needs of the senior citizen. Other services and assistance for seniors in Oklahoma includes Meals on Wheels, application sites for Medicare, and more.
Youth can receive help as well. This can include meals during school breaks or holidays. Career counseling may be offered for high school and/or college students. Many centers also coordinate activities such as arts & crafts and learning activities.
Community Action can often act as a referral agency for the major holiday and Christmas programs that operate in Oklahoma. While most holiday resources are offered by charities such as the Salvation Army, the Salvation Army often has information on them.
Counseling for taxes and credit/housing services
Income Tax Assistance is offered from VITA. IRS trained and certified volunteers will prepare, on the individual’s behalf, basic income tax returns. They will then proceed to transmit them electronically using software provided by the Internal Revenue Service. Community action agencies across Oklahoma and the nation provide this free service to local citizens. While each year the IRS provides the training and certification, more volunteers are always needed.
Loan programs may be offered as funding allows. Some community action agencies provide residential loans to qualified residents in Oklahoma. The financing can be used for the purpose of purchasing a home, assistance with closing costs and down payments. Money may also be offered to pay for home improvement or even some tenant expenses, including rent. In addition, so called credit builder loans may be offered for business entrepreneurs to help them establish credit.
Credit counseling services can help individuals and families who are seeking to improve their financial situation. Support is offered for homeownership, debt reduction, small business loans for business start-up/expansion and for anyone seeking to improve credit scores. Many centers are involved in providing credit counseling services to community residents. Counselors will work one-on-one with clients to help them resolve foreclosure or credit issues and manage debts. Find alternatives to payday loans and other options available to Oklahoma families with poor credit scores.
Much of the assistance and advice may be provided for free. Counselors will help people understand their situation and, importantly, develop a plan. They will work with you throughout the process to help you resolve your hardship, whether it is with payday loans or some other form of borrowing. The plan created may offer help with personal money management (Income to Debt ratio), negotiating settlements with creditors, preventing foreclosure, and also working with your creditors.
Jobs and employment
Workforce Development and the government created Investment Act, or WIA, is responsible for a comprehensive range of employment services and workforce development activities in Oklahoma. Some of the programs offered by community action agencies and other non-profits include support for youth, development activities to help the unemployed and job seekers, veterans, programs for persons with disabilities and even partnerships with employers.
The general purpose of any employment programs in Oklahoma is to promote an increase in the income of clients. This is done by improving educational levels, job retention, earnings, and occupational skills that participants have. After all, a more substantial income improves the quality of the workforce, increases workforce productivity and competitiveness, and reduces welfare dependency.
WIA has been proven to helps put people back to work, or to help them gain new skills and a better job. Families thrive as they become more self sufficient and stable.
General Outreach Services and case management includes coordination of assistance programs and services for clients. Case managers can also serve as an advocate for low income families who cannot or do not know how to obtain services on their own for their unique needs. Agencies provide information on what resources are available for each situation in each county. Many of the outreach programs and community action agencies also maintain a list of jobs available in the areas they are located. Read more on the job training programs in Oklahoma.
Community action centers in Oklahoma
Big Five Community Services, Inc.
Address - 1502 North First
Durant, Oklahoma 74702
Telephone number - (580) 924-5331
Support is for counties of Bryan, Carter, Coal, Love, and Pontotoc. Most of the financial help is available in the form of referrals. Click more information on Big Five Community Services assistance programs.
Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency
429 North Union
Shawnee, OK 74802
Call (405) 275-6060
Provides assistance to the middle part of the state, including Cleveland, Logan, Pottawatomie, Seminole, Payne, and Lincoln County. Read more about community action of Central Oklahoma.
Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City and Oklahoma / Canadian Counties, Inc.
Location - 319 SW 25th
Oklahoma City, OK 73109
Telephone: (405) 232-0199
Low income assistance programs offered include energy bill assistance/LIHEAP, weatherization, and various homeless prevention services. Housing solutions may include grants to pay rent, or when funding is limited agencies may offer a loan for housing expenses or security deposits. Other assistance includes summer meals for children, information on government benefits and more. Read Oklahoma County and City community action agency.
Community Action Development Corporation
Main address - 105 S. Main
Frederick, OK 73542
(580) 335-5588
Beckham, Cotton, Jefferson, Kiowa, Roger Mills, Tillman, and Washita County. Programs include free income tax preparation from VITA, home delivered meals, a food pantry, and emergency aid. More on Community Action Development Corporation.
Community Action Project of Tulsa County, Inc.
Main address is 4606 S. Garnett Rd., Suite 100
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74146
Telephone number for referrals is 918-295-1284
A leading non-profit in the state. Can help people with job searching, or guide families and seniors on government assistance programs such as Head Start and others. Other programs include FSS / Family Self-Sufficiency, free weatherization upgrades, and federal LIHEAP for paying utility bills. Homeless prevention and rapid rehousing in Tulsa County is emergency funds for rental costs, security or utility deposits. Click more information on financial aid from Tulsa Community Action Project.
Community Action Resource and Development, Inc.
Location - 522 W. Will Rogers
Claremore, OK 74018
Telephone: (918) 341-5000
Counties covered - Mayes, Nowata, Rogers, Wagoner, Washington
Community Development Support Association, Inc.
Main address - 2615 East Randolph
Enid, OK 73701
Call (580) 242-6131 for information
Counties - Garfield, Grant
Deep Fork Community Action, Inc.
P.O. Box 670
Okmulgee, OK 74447-0670
Main phone - (918) 756-2826
Offers resources in Hughes, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, and McIntosh County.
Delta Community Action Foundation
Center address - 308 S.W. 2nd Street
Lindsay, OK 73052
Dial (405) 756-1100
Provides assistance, case management, and programs for Garvin, McClain, and Stephens County. Click here Delta Community Action Foundation.
Great Plains Improvement Foundation, Inc., CAA of Comanche
Mailing address - P.O. Box 926
Lawton, OK 73502
Dial (580) 353-2364
INCA Community Services, Inc.
Tishomingo, Oklahoma 73460
(580) 371-2352
Counties and regions include Atoka, Johnston, Marshall, and Murray.
Ki Bois Community Action Foundation
Main address - 200 SE A Street
Stigler, Oklahoma 74462-0727
Phone - (918) 967-3325
Counties include - Haskell, Latimer, Pittsburg, and Le Flore.
Little Dixie Community Action
Location - 209 North 4th Street
Hugo, OK 74743
Call (580) 326-3351
Counties include - Choctaw, McCurtain, and Pushmataha Oklahoma. Services provided include educational resources for children such as Head Start, homebuyer assistance, a residential loan programs, weatherization, and many more. Continue with Little Dixie Community Action services in Oklahoma.
Muskogee County Community Action Foundation, Inc.
Muskogee, Oklahoma 74402-0647
Main telephone number - (918) 683-7637
Northeast Oklahoma Community Action Agency, Inc.
Address is 856 E. Melton Drive, Suite C
Jay, OK 74346
(918) 253-4683
Seniors and low income families in Craig, Delaware, and Ottawa can call this non-profit for information on food assistance, grants, and more. A major focus is on homeless prevention. Federal government programs such as Continuum of Care can provide funds to pay for rent, low income housing, and security deposits in Oklahoma. Continue with Northeast Oklahoma Community Action Agency.
Opportunities, Inc. Community Action Agency
Address: 117 West Russworm
Watonga, Oklahoma 73772
Telephone: (580) 623-7283
Several counties are Alfalfa, Beaver, Blaine, Cimarron, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Harper, Kingfisher, Major, Woods, Woodward, and Texas.
Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group, Inc.
900 South Carver Road
Altus, OK 73522-
Telephone: (580) 482-5040
Supports Greer, Harmon, and Jackson County.
United Community Action Program, Inc.
Location is 501 6th Street
Pawnee, OK 74058
(918) 762-3041
Counties include Creek, Kay, Noble, Osage, and Pawnee. For a comprehensive listing of the services from this Oklahoma non-profit, click here United Community Action Programs financial assistance programs.
Washita Valley Community Action Council of Caddo and Grady
205 West Chickasha Avenue
Chickasha, Oklahoma 73023
Main telephone: (405) 224-5831
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