Upward Transitions, Inc.

Who Can Visit?

Upward Transitions serves families and individuals who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or stranded, and who reside in OKC or Oklahoma County. The organization uses a case management model and focuses on people who need emergency relief to stay housed or regain stable footing.

For rent or utility assistance, you must live in Oklahoma County, have a current eviction or utility cutoff notice in your name, have minor children under 18 or a senior 55 or older living in the home, and show proof of hardship and proof of income or pending income.

For homeless services such as help getting a birth certificate, state ID, or public housing deposit, you must first get a referral from a partner agency — a shelter case manager, transitional housing advocate, parole officer, or similar service provider who can verify your situation.

Anyone seeking services is encouraged to call ahead to confirm that Upward Transitions is accepting clients for the specific program they need.

How to Apply for Rent or Utility Help?

Applications open online at 7:00 a.m. on Monday mornings and by phone starting at 9:00 a.m. Funding is limited and slots fill quickly. You can start an online screening at upwardtransitions.org/covid19/oas/, or call (405) 232-5507 at 9:00 a.m. on Monday.

Items Needed for Registration

For rent or utility assistance, bring:

• A current eviction notice (5-day notice to quit) or utility cutoff notice in your name
• Proof of hardship that made it hard to pay the bill
• Proof of income or documentation of pending income

For homeless services (birth certificate, state ID, public housing deposit), your partner agency will submit a Verification of Homelessness and Referral form on your behalf.

Good to Know

Funding for rent and utility assistance runs out very fast — sometimes within minutes of the Monday morning opening. The website notes that Upward Transitions can currently assist only about 10% of daily requests. If you don't get through on your first try, plan to attempt again the following Monday. Keeping in contact with your landlord or utility provider while you seek help is also recommended.

Additional Support

Upward Transitions offers a wide range of services beyond financial assistance:

• Rent and utility assistance — emergency financial help to prevent eviction or utility shutoff for qualifying Oklahoma County households
• Legal document retrieval — help obtaining birth certificates and marriage licenses for people experiencing homelessness
• State ID purchase assistance — support getting a state-issued ID for people who are homeless
• Public housing deposit assistance — help with a portion of rental deposits for public housing with a referral from the Oklahoma Housing Authority (one-time service; Section 8 deposits are not covered)
• Linkage to other services — referrals to partner agencies for additional needs
• Hope Flyers Program — temporary e-bike loans for recently housed clients whose lack of transportation is preventing them from finding or keeping a job or reaching medical appointments; requires a referral from an Upward Transitions case manager or a partner agency case manager
• Emergency travel assistance — help for people who are stranded and need to travel to safety or return home
• Travelers Aid Airport Program — information, referrals, and emergency assistance for travelers, military personnel, and international students at Will Rogers World Airport

Ways to Give

You can support Upward Transitions through financial donations, goods, or your time.

• Donate online at upwardtransitions.kindful.com
• Donate goods — the organization welcomes blankets, coats, hygiene items, and household items; view current wish lists at upwardtransitions.org/wish-lists/
• Circle of Hope — donors who give at least $1,000 a year may join this recognition group; learn more at upwardtransitions.org/circleofhope/
• You can also give through the Oklahoma City Community Foundation at occf.fcsuite.com

How to Join the Team?

Upward Transitions welcomes volunteers for several types of work:

• Client pantry organization — sorting and inventorying the client pantry storage
• Client care packages — assembling care packages for clients
• Facility repairs and clean-up — helping with maintenance of the building and grounds
• Fundraising events — supporting events like the United Way Day of Caring (October), the American Tourist Event (May), and Celebrity Wait Night (July)

To get involved, contact Conna Dewart at cdewart@upwardtransitions.org or (405) 232-5507 x 113.

For the Travelers Aid Airport Program at Will Rogers World Airport, contact Sharon Scott at sscott@upwardtransitions.org or (405) 232-5507 x 107, and fill out the volunteer application.