This “back-to-work” focused supportive housing program is designed to provide a supportive community environment that assists homeless individuals in transitioning out of homelessness and into permanent housing. We offer self-esteem, dignity, and hope to people whose lives have been thrown away by society or themselves. Local shelters serve the short-term needs of the homeless; we instead serve as a bridge to move people out of homelessness.
THE DIFFERENCE
Pershing Center transitional housing is designed for those who have shown a desire to change their lives and offers an environment that encourages individuals to achieve long-term success. On-site supportive services include case management, life-skills training, substance abuse counseling, employment assistance, and more.
In collaboration with case managers, residents set goals regarding job training, education, income, and personal growth and each individual’s progress is tracked through service plans. The program takes a holistic approach to helping each person achieve his full potential and we seek to empower people through teamwork, opportunities for leadership, and a supportive community environment.
Residents must be homeless (according to HUD guideline) and have income at 60% or less of the Area Median Income. Potential clients are asked specific questions regarding substance abuse history, sobriety, job skills, employability, etc. Supportive service needs are determined by case managers upon entry into the program.
Residents, who pay rent based on their income, may stay in the program for up to 24 months. The Oklahoma City Housing Authority provides project-based rental assistance for those who are unemployed or underemployed and cannot afford to pay rent.
It is preferred that clients have at least 90 days of sobriety before entry into the program. Interested applicants may call (405) 609-2400 for an appointment.
THE PERSHING CENTER FACILTY
Pershing Center, which opened in July 2003, is located at 2400 General Pershing Blvd (East of Villa between Reno & NW 10th). Construction funds came from Low Income Housing Tax Credits obtained through Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency and syndicated by National Equity Fund Inc., HOME funds through The City of Oklahoma City, and Affordable Housing Program funds through The Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka and Chase Bank. A Supportive Housing Program grant through HUD and City of Oklahoma Continuum of Care provides funds for on-going operations and supportive services.
The 38,000 sq. ft. facility includes a central community area with a classroom, multimedia room, computer lab, library, kitchen, dining hall, clothes closet, and offices; and 60 residential units consisting of 48 studio units and 12 one-bedroom units, all accessible only through the main entrance.
City care works to ensure this project is an asset to the Westlawn Gardens neighborhood and we encourage residents to learn to interact as neighbors, accepting responsibility for and taking pride in their community. Pershing Center residents participate in the Westlawn Gardens neighborhood patrol, neighborhood beautification projects and other neighborhood activities.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
City Care depends on both private and public funding for Pershing Center. The need is there, and the program is successful. For your opportunity to help support the Pershing program, please click on the Donate Now button at the top of this page.
I would like to use the quote from the homepage (with the clients name and info added) on this page somewhere (like maybe in a text box or something simple.
"The Pershing Center changed my whole life. I found out what it was to be homeless and without but now I have a place to call home.”
