Volunteers of America Oklahoma (VOAOK)

PROJECT PURPOSE

VOAOK Payee Services assists people who receive Social Security disability income by paying monthly rent and utilities, teaching basic money management skills and providing guidance in discretionary spending decisions. The primary objective is to create housing stability learned through positive money management skills provided for the individual, thereby breaking the cycle of eviction and homelessness and its related impacts on the individual and the community. The SSA and community partners refer individuals for services when faced with eviction resulting from mismanagement of funds. Ninety-nine (99%) of clients served are deemed disabled by SSA; due to severe mental illness, substance use disorders or physical disabilities. For people challenged by disabilities and living in poverty, significant challenges faced quickly spiral into financial emergencies leading to eviction, homelessness, chronic hunger and health issues. This program is offered in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Muskogee and Ada. A sliding scale service fee (ranging from $41-$43 a month per client) is charged based upon the client?s ability to pay. VOAOK waives the fee until SSA benefits are re-established. The average annual cost per clients is $600 and the SSA allowed fee covers approximately half of the annual cost or $300 per year per client.

EVIDENCE

To date, this program has served 3,008 individuals statewide. Of which, 82% had income of $12,880 or less, 15% had income of $12,880-$20,000 and 3% had an income of $20,000+, 61% were male and 39% were female, 9% were veterans. These statistics demonstrate the scope of the program.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

VOAOK Payee Services assists people who receive Social Security disability income by paying monthly rent and utilities, teaching basic money management skills and providing guidance for discretionary spending decisions. Of the clients served 84% live at or below the federal poverty level of $12,880 annually. The average monthly income of clients served is $924. Rent averages $341, utilities are $137, and medication/medical costs are $165 a month. The remaining $446 must be carefully budgeted to purchase groceries, phone transportation, clothing insurance and other basic needs. The adverse effects of Covid-19 resulted in a 45% increase in homelessness. Combined with the limited access to the SSA, the impacts were delays in getting benefits reinstated, housing individuals, and providing additional supports. VOAOK offices remained open through most of the pandemic and difficulties obtaining SSA assistance for clients was one of our key challenges.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Residential stability and learned money management skills are the two main objectives of the VOAOK Payee Services program with outcomes associated with each which are tracked through the E-Guardianship database. Client outcomes tracked are housing stability, adherence to a budget, and ability to manage discretionary income effectively. Clients are assisted to remain on track for achieving their goals.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma