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With 1000 Evictions Filed, Homelessness Prevention is the Aim

Upward Transitions Receives Additional $78,000 from United Way

With 1000 Evictions Filed, Homelessness Prevention is the Aim

As expected, the number of evictions filed in Oklahoma County has skyrocketed since the state’s moratorium on evictions was lifted May 18. More than 1000 evictions have been filed between March 16 and May 26, and many of these families and individuals are at risk of becoming homeless if they cannot work things out with their property owners.

“We’ve been concerned about this possibility from the beginning,” Periann Pulliam, Upward Transitions’ CEO expressed. “With the help of United Way’s COVID Response Fund, Upward Transitions has helped 102 households pay their rent and utilities since April 1. Our goal is to keep as many families and individuals as possible out of court and ultimately in their homes.”

Upward Transitions received an additional $78,000 from the United Way of Central Oklahoma’s COVID-19 Response Fund and will continue their partnership with United Way to support Oklahomans in need.
“We are so grateful for this additional funding from United Way, and we hope to provide relief to another 48 households who have received 5 day to quit, eviction, or cutoff notices,” said Pulliam. “Our case managers will work directly with families and individuals in Oklahoma County to evaluate the needs of each.”

To date, Upward Transitions has distributed more than $117,000 to assist 122 households with rent and utilities. More than $101,000 of these distributions came from the United Way COVID-19 Response Fund to assist 102 households with the remaining coming from other funding sources.

As of May 5, the United Way has provided more than $850,000 in emergency funding to nonprofit organizations, which are assisting with everything from rent and utility payments to food, mental health support, and financial assistance.

To learn more about eligibility requirements and how to request assistance, go to www.upwardtransitions.org. Resources are first-come, first-serve and completion of a request for assistance is not a guarantee of assistance.

If you or your organization would like to help Upward Transitions expand this support to more families, please contact Upward Transitions’ Director of Development, Micah James, mjames@upwardtransitions.org.

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