Payee Services Program Expanded
(TULSA, OK) Thanks to generous grants from the Inasmuch, Sarkeys Foundation and the City of Muskogee Foundation, the Payee Services Program has expanded into Oklahoma City and Muskogee. The Oklahoma City Payee Services Case Managers will be located in the new Homeless Alliance WestTown Resource Center located in downtown Oklahoma City.
The WestTown Resource Center was developed to provide a one location for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can access the services they need to achieve long-term stability in their lives. The WestTown Resource Center and day shelter officially opened August and includes the city's only day shelter.
“Housing all of the agencies in one place is beneficial to the people receiving help and the organizations giving it,” said John Selph, CEO. “With numerous agencies in one location, you don't have to go from place to place to receive aid.”
WestTown, which takes up a city block near the corner of NW 3 and Virginia, encompasses two rehabilitated warehouses. The resource center is housed in one building and includes offices for various agencies including Volunteers of America of Oklahoma.
The adjacent building houses the day shelter and includes a place where homeless and indigent people can receive free breakfast and lunches, take showers, store items in lockers, use computers and watch television. The day shelter also is a place where people can go when they are waiting to be connected to the resources available at the resource center.
“The importance of these services we can offer cannot be overstated”, said Selph. “Many of these individuals have been or would become homeless because of the inability to manage their finances. We pay their rent, utilities and other bills and then provide each individual with a weekly stipend for grocery and other needs.”
“Our Muskogee expansion is next on the list,” said Selph. “We are excited about the program growth and are eager to get this initiative off the ground in Muskogee.”