Our Story
Our Story
Imagine looking out your office window and seeing men, women, and children pulling food out of your trash because they are starving. Imagine families with no place to call home and children who cannot enroll in school because they have no address. In 1983, these things inspired our founders to find a solution to homelessness and hunger. Food and Shelter started as a once-per-week lunch for people who were homeless and has since grown into a fully operational soup kitchen and shelter program.
For over 40 years, Food and Shelter has been feeding hungry women, children, and men and housing families in crisis. Food and Shelter are core components of our services and what we believe to be the fundamental human rights of every individual in our community. We serve the most disadvantaged residents of our community, many of whom live on little to no income.
Our food program, funded by United Way of Norman, is second to none in Cleveland County. Hundreds of women, children, and men rely on Food and Shelter for daily nutrition. We serve breakfast and lunch seven days per week to any hungry person. On average, we serve 250 meals per day. In 2024 alone, we served over 220,000 meals. On top of this, we provide free groceries to hungry families who may have to choose between buying food and paying rent. Food is a necessity, not a privilege.
The shelter component of Food and Shelter is a multi-faceted program. We provide short-term, long-term, and supportive housing for individuals and families who are homeless. We own and operate a 32 cottages where individuals and families can live with the care and support of a case manager to empower and encourage them to build stronger, healthier families. We provide housing for medically vulnerable, chronically homeless single individuals with the support of a case manager to ensure they maintain stable, healthy lifestyles. Because we do not have facilities for families who need emergency shelter, we provide emergency placement for families who are homeless through motel stays.
The Share Center, our newest expansion, is a free grocery store and resource center. This program is partnered with our homelessness prevention program to help families avoid experiencing homelessness. We provide rent and utility assistance when funds are available. Screenings occur on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
