There are several reasons why you might require rental assistance, and there’s no shame in seeking help. Whatever the cause of your financial hardship, emergency rental assistance in Oklahoma can help keep a roof over your head. The state offers options for people in various circumstances, and knowing what you qualify for is key to obtaining maximum aid.

How Does Emergency Rental Assistance in Oklahoma Work?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Community Cares Partners (CCP) distributed aid to over 80,000 Oklahoma households. While this program is now closed, there are others designed to help those that have fallen on hard times.

In most cases, applicants must demonstrate lost income or employment, or evidence of impending eviction. Different programs have different requirements, and so it’s important to review each option carefully.

Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City & OK/CN Counties

This organization offers rent and mortgage assistance funded by FEMA and the United Way. To receive aid, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Late note provided by landlord, or a moorage statement showing late payments.
Documented emergency exceeding $1 more than the rent/mortgage payment.
Demonstrated ability to pay the next month’s rent/mortgage after the aid has paid.
Not receiving Section 8 or public housing.

Note that this program is only available to those living in Oklahoma or Canadian counties.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

Oklahoma’s Catholic Charities program offers emergency rent and utility assistance to those experiencing temporary crisis. To qualify for utility help, applicants must present a current utility bill, proof of income, and some form of valid ID. Those seeking rental assistance are asked to provide a copy of their lease, as well as ID and proof of income. Addition requirements include:

Being one of the first eight callers during the Monday morning call period.
A past due rent notice with a copy of a current lease OR a utility bill with a past due or cut-off notice.
Completing the intake program.

Aid is available to each household once a year, with a maximum of three times total.

Restore Hope Ministries

Based in Tulsa, Restore Hope provides emergency rental assistance in Oklahoma. They primarily work with people facing eviction or who have received late rent notices.

Those who are about to be evicted should visit the Social Services Hub to connect with Restore Hope’s emergency rental assistance team in person. They can work alongside you to better understand your situation and guide you through your options during your time of crisis.

If your needs are less urgent, you can follow these steps to apply for assistance:

Schedule a screening call at 918-922-8282 to determine eligibility. You must live in Tulsa County and cannot have already received 15 months of rental assistance.
Complete an intake packet.
Call the number listed above to schedule a phone interview, where the Restore Hope team will check to ensure they have all necessary application information.

Once your application is submitted, their team will review it and let you know whether or not you qualify. If you do, they will coordinate with your landlord for payment.

The Grace Center of Southern Oklahoma

The Grace Center’s rental assistance program serves those in Carter, Love, Murray, Marshall, and Johnston counties. To apply, applicants need simply call their office at 580-223-2027. They will then be asked to complete an application for emergency financial assistance.

Rental assistant applicants are required to attend the Grace Center’s hour-long money management class. While the Grace Center pledges payment for all accepted applicants, they will only pay after households have attended the class.

Upward Transitions

Upward Transitions offers emergency rental assistance in Oklahoma County. This short-term financial bridge can help prevent homelessness in vulnerable populations. To qualify for rental assistance, applicants must:

Live in Oklahoma County.
Have a 5-day notice to quit or eviction notice for their current address.
Have minor children or seniors (55 and older) living in the home.
Demonstrate proof of hardship.
Provide proof of income or pending income.

You can also qualify for utilities assistance through Upward Transitions by meeting the above requirements and presenting a cutoff notice.

Compassionate Hands

Compassionate Hands is a charity that serves those living in the Yukon area. To qualify for emergency rental assistance, you must live in the Yukon School District, provide any required documentation, and meet agency requirements.

Applicants can learn more by calling at 405-354-9591.

Explore Emergency Rental Assistance in Oklahoma With Our Handy Guides

When you’re struggling to pay rent, it can feel like the world is collapsing, but there is hope; there are organizations and resources out there ready to jump in and help you work towards a brighter future. For more information on emergency rental assistance in Oklahoma, visit the websites of the organizations listed above, or check out our rental assistance overview.