Upward Transitions provides specialized programs and case management to help meet basic social needs of the most vulnerable in the community. This Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits’ Standard of Excellence Certified organization assists Oklahoma County families and individuals who are struggling with homelessness and at risk of losing their homes and stability as well as stranded travelers in crisis.
Through its Community Outreach Program, Upward Transitions prevents families with minor children and seniors from losing their housing through eviction due to unpaid rent and utilities. In 2023, 17,868 evictions were filed in Oklahoma County. There were judgements against 8,602 households resulting in evictions of approximately 21,500 individuals, and 61 percent of those evictions were households with children.
Upward Transitions provides one-time assistance to families and seniors who qualify to prevent them from experiencing the crisis of homelessness due to eviction. Its success rate with homeless prevention has been consistently more successful than national rates.
Upward Transitions also assists people experiencing homelessness with obtaining their identifying documents, such as birth certificates and state IDs. A study completed by the Homeless Hub found 70% of individuals experiencing homelessness did not have access to these crucial documents. Without identification, they cannot obtain employment, housing, or social services.
The organization’s services extend to Oklahoma City Housing Authority (OCHA) Deposits for those who qualify for public housing as well as assisting existing clients with transportation to job interviews, medical appointments, and social services. Victims of domestic violence and human trafficking and stranded travelers may receive emergency travel assistance to a safe, secure destination with someone they trust waiting for them; and an annual holiday “Calendar of Sharing” event stocks Upward Transitions’ pantry with winter supplies for clients who do not have warm clothing, basic food, or personal care supplies.
Working closely with its vast network of local agencies, Upward Transitions capitalizes on all possible resources for its clients and strives to refer anyone with needs outside of its own special programs. A United Way of Central Oklahoma Community Partner since its inception, the organization partners with 50+ local nonprofits to make sure no stone is left unturned to assist its neighbors.
