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Assistance Programs in Oklahoma City and Oklahoma County
Residents of Oklahoma City, Edmond, Midwest City, Del City, Choctaw, and communities throughout Oklahoma County have access to financial assistance, food, shelter, utility help, senior services, and more. Help may be provided by government agencies, nonprofits, and hundreds of local churches. This page covers verified resources that may provide assistance to struggling people, organized by service type, with phone numbers and addresses.
Some of the leading organizations to try include the following. The Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City serves as the federally designated anti-poverty agency for Oklahoma and Canadian Counties, administering emergency rent and utility assistance, food pantries, and self-sufficiency programs. The Homeless Alliance's WestTown Campus is the county's primary resource hub for unhoused individuals. Jesus House provides shelter, meals, and addiction recovery services near downtown OKC.
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- Emergency rent & utility assistance, food, self-sufficiency (county CAA): Community Action Agency of OKC — (405) 232-0199
- Emergency housing, eviction prevention, seniors & families (OKC/OK County): Upward Transitions — (405) 232-5507
- Emergency aid, food, shelter, immigrants, veterans (inner city): Jesus House — (405) 232-7164
- Homeless day shelter, resource center, winter shelter (WestTown Campus): Homeless Alliance — (405) 415-8410
- Emergency financial assistance, utility & rent help (faith-based, many zip codes): Various Catholic parishes & SVdP conferences — call 2-1-1 for nearest
- Comprehensive social services, immigration, food, seniors: Catholic Charities of OKC — (405) 523-3000
- Food, emergency aid, counseling, grandparents raising grandchildren: Sunbeam Family Services — (405) 528-7721
- Senior services, elder meals, legal help, caregiver support: Areawide Aging Agency — (405) 942-8500
- SNAP/food stamps, Medicaid, TANF, OKDHS benefits: Oklahoma County DHS — (405) 521-3646
- Formula, food, diapers for infants & toddlers (birth–age 4): Infant Crisis Services — (405) 528-3663
- Don't know where to start? Dial 2-1-1 — free, around the clock, covers all of Oklahoma County in English and Spanish. Or see the dedicated OKC and county rent assistance program page for housing needs. For food, see the Oklahoma City-County food pantry list.
Community Action & Government Programs
These government-funded programs form the backbone of direct financial assistance available to low-income Oklahoma County residents.
Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City & Oklahoma/Canadian Counties Est. 1965
The Community Action Agency (CAA) is the federally designated anti-poverty agency for Oklahoma and Canadian Counties. It administers multiple federally funded programs directly. Programs include:
- Emergency Rent/Mortgage Assistance: FEMA and United Way funded grants for past-due rent or mortgage for qualifying households with documented hardship. Applicants must be at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines, have a late notice or overdue statement, and show a qualifying emergency that caused the shortfall. Note: rental or utility deposit costs and hotel expenses are not covered.
- Emergency Utility Assistance: Similar criteria to the rent program; helps pay past-due electric, gas, or water bills to prevent disconnection.
- Emergency Prescription Assistance: Limited funding available for necessary prescription medications for qualifying clients.
- Food pantry: Located at two satellite sites (SW office: 1621 SW 15th Street; SE office: 6315 Camille Ave), each open on a rotating monthly basis. Call (405) 232-0199 for current dates and hours.
- Seasonal assistance: Christmas holiday help, holiday meals, back-to-school supplies, and cooling assistance (fans/AC) in partnership with OGE for qualifying seniors and households.
- Small business development, matching savings programs, and referrals to emergency shelter and transitional housing are other services.
- Head Start and Early Head Start: Free early childhood education and family development services for qualifying low-income families with young children. Multiple OKC locations; call main number for enrollment information.
Contact: (405) 232-0199 | 319 SW 25th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73109. https://www.caaofokc.org/.
Oklahoma County Department of Human Services (OKDHS)
OKDHS administers state and federal benefit programs for qualifying Oklahoma County residents. Programs include SNAP (food stamps/EBT), Medicaid / SoonerCare, as well as TANF cash assistance for families with children. Other benefits include childcare assistance, OKDHS prescription assistance, and adult protective services. Applications can be submitted online at okdhslive.org or in person at either county office. Contact: (405) 521-3646 | 1115 SE 66th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73149 and 2409 N Kelley Ave (Annex), Oklahoma City, OK 73111. https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs.html
Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA)
OHFA administers federal housing programs for Oklahoma County and statewide, including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, first-time homebuyer programs, down payment assistance, and post-disaster emergency housing grants for residents affected by tornadoes or other natural disasters. Contact: (405) 419-8196 | 100 NW 63rd Street, Suite 200, Oklahoma City, OK 73116. https://www.ohfa.org/
Emergency Assistance & Crisis Services
The organizations below provide direct emergency assistance to Oklahoma City and Oklahoma County residents facing housing, utility, or basic needs crises.
Upward Transitions
Upward Transitions (formerly Travelers Aid Society) has served Oklahoma City since 1925, making it one of the city's longest-operating social service nonprofits. The organization is a United Way of Central Oklahoma Community Partner and focuses specifically on families with children under 18 and seniors aged 55 and older who are facing housing instability in OKC or Oklahoma County. Weekly assistance screenings are generally open Monday mornings online at 7:00 a.m. and by phone at 9:00 a.m.; funding is limited and exhausted quickly. Programs include:
- Homelessness prevention: One-time emergency rent or utility assistance for qualifying households with a current eviction notice or utility shut-off notice. Households must have minor children under 18 or a senior aged 55 or older, documented income, and proof of an unexpected hardship. Maximum assistance is one time up to two months' rent, subject to funding limits.
- Legal document retrieval: Assistance obtaining birth certificates, state IDs, Social Security cards, and other documents needed to access housing and employment.
- Public housing deposits: Help with security deposits for Oklahoma City Housing Authority (OCHA) public housing for qualifying clients.
- Transportation assistance: Help with transportation costs to job interviews, medical appointments, and social service offices for clients in case management.
- Emergency travel assistance: Help for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking to safely reach a secure destination.
- Calendar of Sharing: Seasonal distribution of winter clothing, basic food, and personal care items for clients without warm clothing or household supplies.
- Travelers Aid Airport Program: Volunteers assist stranded travelers and military personnel at OKC Will Rogers World Airport on a year-round basis.
Contact: (405) 232-5507 | 1134 W. Main Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. https://upwardtransitions.org/
Neighborhood Services Organization (NSO) Est. 1921
NSO has served at-risk and unhoused residents of the Oklahoma City community for more than 100 years. Programs include:
- Eviction prevention and rental assistance: Emergency grants to help qualifying households avoid eviction with first month's rent or one-time rent payment assistance. Pre-screening by phone is required; call Monday mornings for intake (calls on the answering machine are not returned). Assistance is first-come, first-served and not guaranteed.
- Mortgage assistance: One-time grant to help qualifying homeowners with a past-due mortgage payment.
- Transitional housing: Carolyn Williams Center for young men aged 18–23 leaving homelessness or foster care; Martha's House and Gatewood for pregnant and parenting mothers; Palo Duro I and II for single adults with mental illness.
- Dental Clinic: The only low-cost dental clinic in Oklahoma, offering general dentistry at a significantly reduced cost. Second location at 3530 N MacArthur Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73122 — (405) 942-2008.
- WIC Clinic: Supplemental nutrition, food assistance, and education for income-qualifying pregnant mothers and children up to age 5.
Contact: (405) 236-0452 | 431 SW 11th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73109. https://www.nsookc.org/
Sunbeam Family Services
One of Oklahoma's longest-serving nonprofits, Sunbeam has provided family-centered services to Central Oklahoma since 1907. Programs include:
- Mental health counseling: Individual, family, group, and play therapy for children, adults, and families on a sliding-scale fee basis. Affordable services available to both Sunbeam program clients and the broader community.
- Early childhood education: Full-day, year-round early care programs at multiple OKC campus sites, including nationally recognized Educare Oklahoma City, for babies and toddlers from qualifying low-income families.
- Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Support groups, case management, and resource coordination for grandparents who are primary caregivers for their grandchildren.
- Emergency Senior Shelter: Short-term emergency shelter for adults aged 55 and older experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis.
Contact: (405) 528-7721 | 1100 NW 14th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. https://sunbeamfamilyservices.org/
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
Catholic Charities serves all residents regardless of faith through multiple programs across Central and Western Oklahoma. Programs include family counseling, immigration legal services, food assistance, refugee resettlement, and emergency case management for families facing financial hardship. The Family Hope program assists clients with job placement and housing navigation. Call ahead to confirm current availability of direct financial assistance programs, which depend on funding cycles. Contact: (405) 523-3000 | 1232 N. Classen Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73106.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Archdiocesan Council of Oklahoma City
St. Vincent de Paul operates through a network of parish-based conferences across Oklahoma County, serving all residents regardless of faith. SVdP is distinctive for conducting home visits — when you request assistance, a Vincentian volunteer will contact you and visit your home to understand your situation. Assistance may include emergency rent, utility payments, food, clothing, and referrals. Payments for rent and utilities are made directly to vendors on behalf of clients. To find the SVdP conference serving your zip code or neighborhood, visit the helpline directory on the website or call 2-1-1. Website: https://svdpokc.org/
Hope Center of Edmond
The Hope Center assists qualifying Edmond-area residents with emergency financial help for utilities, rent, and prescriptions. They may also help with free food, clothing, household goods, hygiene items, transportation assistance, baby items, and bedding. Contact: (405) 348-1340 | 1251 N. Broadway, Ste. A&B, Edmond, OK 73034.
Jesus House
Jesus House is a faith-led nonprofit operating in inner-city OKC since 1986 with a dual mission: a free long-term residential recovery program for addiction, and daily food and services for unhoused community members. Programs include:
- Life Transformation Program: OKARR-certified free residential addiction recovery program for adults. Residents receive structured recovery services, meals, shelter, employment support, and community reintegration services.
- Hot meals: Three meals per day served to residents and anyone from the community in need, 365 days per year, including a new commercial kitchen and dining facility.
- Emergency aid: One-time assistance with rent, energy bills, and other basic needs for community members. Appliances, clothing, and furniture are available on a first-come, first-served basis; clients must arrange their own transportation for large items.
- Food pantry: On-site food distribution for low-income community members.
- Medical: Basic medical care from volunteer providers and referrals to free community clinics in Oklahoma County.
- Outreach to women facing abuse, immigrants, and veterans.
Contact: (405) 232-7164 | 1335 West Sheridan Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. https://jesushouseokc.org/
The Homeless Alliance — WestTown Homeless Resource Campus Est. 2003
The Homeless Alliance is Oklahoma City's lead homeless services coordinating organization, operating the WestTown Homeless Resource Campus and working with more than 100 partner agencies. Programs include:
- WestTown Day Shelter: Open daily, serves an average of more than 300 guests per day with breakfast and lunch, showers, laundry, computer access, phone charging, mail, volunteer barbershop, and access to on-site partners including Oklahoma County DHS, Legal Aid, mental health services, employment programs, and health clinics. Address: 1729 NW 3rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73106.
- WestTown Resource Center: Case management and housing navigation for clients working toward permanent housing. Open weekdays. Address: 1724 NW 4th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73106.
- Winter Emergency Shelter: 300-bed low-barrier shelter for adults and their pets, operating nightly from November 1 through March 31. Address: 1601 NW 4th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73106.
- Permanent supportive housing: Housing for veterans and chronically homeless individuals on the WestTown campus.
- Street outreach: The Homeless Alliance partners with the City of OKC's Action Center to respond to reports of unsheltered individuals. To request outreach for someone, call the Action Center at (405) 297-2535 on weekdays.
- Curbside Chronicle: A workforce development program employing people experiencing homelessness as street newspaper vendors.
Contact: (405) 415-8410 | Campus: 1724 NW 4th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. https://www.homelessalliance.org/
Food Assistance
For a full list of food pantries, soup kitchens, SNAP outreach, and mobile distributions in Oklahoma County, see the Oklahoma City food banks and pantries page. Community Action Agency, NSO, Jesus House, Sunbeam, and the Homeless Alliance (above) also operate significant food programs.
Infant Crisis Services Est.
Infant Crisis Services is Oklahoma's only hunger-relief agency dedicated entirely to babies and toddlers. Since 1984, the organization has provided life-sustaining formula, food, diapers, and clothing to infants from birth through their fourth birthday at no cost to families. Services are available up to four times per calendar year per child. An appointment is required; call to schedule. The BabyMobile also travels to 26 Central Oklahoma counties, bringing supplies directly to underserved communities. Contact: (405) 528-3663 | Donald W. Reynolds Center, 4224 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105. https://www.infantcrisis.org/
Senior Services
Areawide Aging Agency, Inc.
Areawide Aging Agency is the federally designated Area Agency on Aging serving Canadian, Cleveland, Logan, and Oklahoma Counties. Established in 1973, the agency coordinates Older Americans Act-funded programs supporting the independence and dignity of adults aged 60 and older throughout the region. Programs include:
- Congregate and home-delivered meals: Hot noon meals at senior centers throughout the county; Meals on Wheels delivery to homebound seniors unable to prepare their own food.
- Transportation: Rides to medical appointments and senior center meal sites for eligible older adults.
- Legal assistance: Free basic legal advice for seniors on wills, powers of attorney, advance directives, and tenant rights.
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Advocates for the rights and quality of care of residents in nursing facilities and assisted living communities across four counties.
- Caregiver support: Resources and respite services for unpaid family members caring for older adults at home.
- Information and assistance: Staff connect seniors and families to programs, government benefits, and community resources.
Contact: (405) 942-8500 | 4101 Perimeter Center Drive, Suite 310, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. https://www.areawideaging.org/
Legal Aid & Credit Counseling
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma provides free civil legal representation to low-income residents of Oklahoma County. Services cover landlord-tenant disputes and illegal evictions, utility shut-offs, foreclosure prevention, debt collector issues, public benefits access, family law, and more. An income screen is required. Contact: (405) 557-0020 | Full service details at https://www.legalaidok.org/
GreenPath Financial Wellness
GreenPath is a nonprofit financial counseling organization providing free or low-cost debt counseling, credit score guidance, budget planning, and HUD-approved mortgage/foreclosure counseling to OKC-area residents. Services available by phone and online. Contact: (866) 476-7284. https://www.greenpath.com/
Employment & Reentry Services
TEEM (The Education & Employment Ministry)
Since 1987, TEEM has provided education, employment, and social services to Oklahomans impacted by the criminal justice system, helping break cycles of incarceration and poverty across Oklahoma County. Programs are free for qualifying participants. Programs include:
- Reentry Services: Comprehensive case management for individuals transitioning out of incarceration, including resume development, job placement assistance, career planning, legal advocacy, and connections to housing, healthcare, and transportation.
- Employment Services: Job readiness curriculum (including OSHA-10, forklift, and ServSafe certifications), one-on-one career coaching, and job placement with employer partners who are committed to second-chance hiring.
- Pretrial Release Initiative: In partnership with the Oklahoma County Public Defender and District Attorney's office, TEEM helps eligible individuals who cannot afford bail to secure release and connect with treatment, housing, and employment while awaiting trial.
- Oklahoma County Community Sentencing: Court-ordered diversion program providing case management, substance abuse and mental health treatment, job preparation, and direct service aid as an alternative to incarceration.
Veterans Initiative: Resources and benefits navigation for justice-involved veterans.
Contact: (405) 235-5671 | 1501 N. Classen Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73106. https://www.teem.org/
Faith-Based & Church Assistance
Oklahoma City has dozens of churches that provide localized emergency help — often for people in their immediate surrounding neighborhood or zip code. No website is required to call or visit a church. Always call ahead to confirm current availability. For broader faith-based referrals, see the separate Oklahoma County church assistance page.
Epiphany of The Lord Catholic Church — Utility bill assistance, food, security deposits, and eviction prevention for residents in the following zip codes only: 73142, 73162, 73078, and portions of 73132 north of Wilshire Blvd. Location: 7336 W. Britton Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73132. Phone: (405) 722-2110.
Christ the King Catholic Church — St. Lawrence Ministry — Food pantry, prescription vouchers, utility bill assistance, and rental help for qualifying residents. Call (405) 242-4590 or (405) 242-4500.
St. Francis Catholic Church — Eviction prevention and emergency rent assistance (issued as loans or grants depending on eligibility), Christmas assistance, and medical referrals. Location: 1901 NW 18th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. Phone: (405) 528-0485.
St. Joseph Catholic Church — Food, thrift store, holiday assistance, and limited utility bill help through the St. Vincent de Paul network. Location: 307 NW 4th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Phone: (405) 917-5999 or (405) 235-4565.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral — One-time limited utility bill assistance, prescription vouchers, hot meals, and shelter referrals. Call (405) 525-5034 to ask about current programs.
St. Charles Borromeo Conference — Partial rent payments made directly to the landlord for qualifying households. Phone: (405) 445-0414 or (405) 789-2595.
Bethany First Church of the Nazarene — One-time energy bill assistance (light, gas, or power) for residents in zip codes 73008 or 73122. Location: 6789 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK 73008. Phone: (405) 789-2050.
In His Name Ministries (IHNM) — Faith-based outreach providing government grant referrals, food pantry, clothing, shelter referrals, home repair for seniors, and case management for working poor, disabled, and single-parent families. Read more: In His Name Ministries assistance programs.
Many smaller congregations throughout Oklahoma County provide limited assistance to people in their immediate vicinity — often a specific neighborhood, street corridor, or zip code. They typically help with utility bills, food boxes, clothing, and small amounts of emergency financial aid. No website is required; call directly. Many do not have maintained websites. Churches below have been active in providing community assistance:
- St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Del City — (405) 670-6105 or (405) 677-4873
- St. Monica Catholic Church, Edmond — (405) 341-8128 or (405) 359-2700
- St. Teresa Catholic Church, Harrah — (405) 343-2938 or (405) 454-2819
- St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, Midwest City — (405) 741-0967 or (405) 737-4476
- Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 1005 NE 15th St, Oklahoma City — (405) 239-2804 or (405) 236-4301
- Trinity International Baptist Church, 1329 NW 23rd St, Oklahoma City — (405) 528-6327
- Quail Springs Baptist Church, 14613 N. May Ave, Oklahoma City — (405) 751-1621 or (405) 302-3030
- Putnam City Baptist Church, 11401 N. Rockwell Ave, Oklahoma City — (405) 773-6914
- Guild of St. George, 117 NW 7th Street, Oklahoma City — call 2-1-1 for current contact
- Shepherds of Love Ministries, Edmond — (405) 348-5195
- St. Matthew United Methodist Church, Oklahoma City — limited utility assistance; must have a shut-off notice; call ahead
First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City — CareForOKC program; emergency food and basic needs assistance for residents in the central OKC zip codes (73102–73108, 73118); call the church at (405) 236-4397.
Veterans Assistance
Volunteers of America of Oklahoma — Veterans Programs
Volunteers of America operates low-income housing, supportive services for veterans, elderly, and disabled residents in Oklahoma County. Programs include affordable housing communities with on-site supportive services and payee support (financial management assistance) for seniors and people with disabilities. Contact: (405) 943-0040. See https://www.voaok.org/
Department of Veterans Affairs — Oklahoma City VA Health Care System
The OKC VA coordinates financial aid, medical care, housing assistance, and benefit programs for eligible veterans, their widows/widowers, and dependents facing emergencies. One-time emergency aid grants are available for qualifying veterans in documented crisis. Contact the VA benefits line at (888) 655-2838. The annual Sooner Stand Down event, coordinated with the Homeless Alliance, connects homeless veterans with VA services, housing assistance, and community resources each fall. https://www.va.gov/oklahoma-city-health-care/
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