Oklahoma County Starts Utility Assistance Program County Partners with Local Non-Profit Agencies

Contact: Jim Roth
Phone: (405) 713-1501

Oklahoma County (January 31th, 2007) – Oklahoma County’s low income families and seniors citizens will benefit from a new pilot program approved at today’s Oklahoma County Board of County Commissioners meeting. The program will provide $55,000 in emergency utility assistance to eligible recipients.

Under the contracts approved today, the Oklahoma County Department of Training and General Assistance (TG&A) will partner with Travelers Aid and Homeless Assistance Center, the HOPE Center of Edmond, and the Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City. According to Blair Schoeb, TG&A director, the three agencies have a proven track record of providing assistance to those in need. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to work with our partner’s in the non-profit sector to address these crucial issues,” Schoeb said.

Board Chairman Jim Roth said it only makes sense that the county would take a pro-active approach in the fight to prevent homelessness by providing emergency utility assistance to seniors and impoverished families. “By providing assistance up front,” Roth said, “we may allow the grandmother raising her grandchildren the opportunity to remain in her home, thus avoiding the far greater fiscal and emotional costs the associated with homelessness.”

Commissioner Ray Vaughn echoed Schoeb regarding the proven track record of the chosen entities. In fact, Vaughn told the Board he had once served as a board member for the HOPE Center of Edmond and was very familiar with the services they provide. “I know of the good work they have done in the Edmond area and am pleased that Oklahoma County has this opportunity to partner with them to serve the needs of our community.”

“There is a great need for Oklahoma County and Oklahoma City to work more closely together and get the best return for the taxpayer in addressing the homeless issue,” said Commissioner Brent Rinehart.

For more information about this program, please call the following numbers:

• Traveler’s Aid: 232-5507
• Urban League: 424-5243 ext 126
• HOPE: 348-1340