FAQ

I AM HOMELESS AND NEED RESOURCES? I HAVE A LOVED ONE WHO WILL SHORTLY BECOME HOMELESS, WHAT DO I DO?

McFarlin Church keeps an updated list of Norman area resources. Visit their website to see the list.

You can also call the United Way referral hotline by dialing 211

WHAT IS A CONTINUUM OF CARE

A Continuum of Care (CoC) is a regional or local planning body that coordinates housing and services funding for homeless families and individuals. In 2007, 461 CoCs submitted application for federal homeless assistance funds in all 50 states, plus DC, Puerto Rico, and Guam. CoCs represent communities of all kinds, including major cities, suburbs and rural areas.

In 1995, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) began to require communities to submit a single application for McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants in order to streamline the funding application process, encourage coordination of housing and service providers on a local level, and promote the development of Continuums of Care (CoCs). By requiring communities to submit a single application, HUD hoped to encourage a more structural and strategic approach to both housing and providing services to homeless people. A CoC would provide this more strategic system by providing homeless people with housing and services appropriate to their range of needs.

Glossary of Terms

OK504 CoC Charter - Updated July 2023

WHAT DO YOU DO?

We are nonprofit providers and state and local government agencies committed to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to homeless individuals, families, and communities by homelessness. The program promotes access to and effects utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families. The program optimizes self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

HOW CAN I HELP?

Visit the Member Agencies page and learn about our participants. Find out which one provides the volunteer service opportunity and or programs that appeals to you and contact that agency directly.

The CoC is administrative in nature and unable to accept any physical or monetary donations. Please direct these gifts to the member agency of your choice.

HOW CAN I JOIN THE COC?

CoC general membership is open to any person or agency interested in improving the response to homelessness who either lives or works in Cleveland County. Membership is defined as participation in at least two monthly meetings per calendar year. Meetings are currently held, via Zoom, on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 3pm. Please email ok504coc@gmail.com to request the meeting login information.

WHAT IS YOUR PHONE NUMBER? HOW DO I TALK TO A HUMAN BEING?

As a collaboration of agencies voluntarily working together the CoC does not have staff or a direct contact phone number. Please email OK504CoC@gmail.com or fill out the Contact form on the website. Provide your contact information and reason for requesting contact and a representative will get back with you.