About
The mission of Food and Shelter is simple: We feed people who are hungry and help people who are homeless make their way back home.
Food and Shelter was founded in 1983 by a group of compassionate members of McFarlin United Methodist Church led by Harriet Leigh and Kathryn Selmon. They began distributing meals to hungry people in community parks, but soon, it became clear the need was greater than anticipated. McFarlin UMC brought in a coalition of volunteers to expand services. In 1987, Food for Friends opened in its original location downtown off of Main Street at 104 West Comanche, where services were located until our new campus opened in 2017.
Though the services offered have grown and expanded over the years, the heart of Food and Shelter is still one of a caring group of people who want to help moms, dads, and children have better lives by accessing Food and Shelter.
Food and Shelter was built by our loving community and is supported and sustained by volunteers, community givers, and loving donors who believe all people deserve a home and meals.
We are a proud United Way Partner Agency and support the great work of United Way within our community.
Our Services
Dining Room Service: Food and Shelter serves two hot meals daily, every day of the week, every day of the year. We open our doors to anyone hungry, regardless of housing status.
The Share Center: A Food Pantry and Resource Center is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests must live in Norman, Noble, Lexington, Slaughterville, Little Axe, or McClain County and show residency to shop.
Day Shelter: Our dining room doubles as a day shelter and outreach center for individuals experiencing homelessness. We are open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and offer restrooms, showers, laundry, support services, and a space to get inside.
Emergency Shelter: Food and Shelter operates an emergency shelter program for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Our cottages are available for shelter, and when the shelter is full and funding is available, we can offer motel stays for those working on a housing plan.
A Friend’s House: A Friend’s House is an overnight dorm style shelter for women and men experiencing homelessness. Guests can check in at 5 p.m. each night and when a bed is available sleep at the shelter, work with case managers to connect to resources and stay in off of the streets of Norman. Guests can reserve their bed after their first night so they know the security of having shelter and can work hand-in-hand with case managers to build a plan to get out of homelessness for good.
Re-Housing: Food and Shelter operates a re-housing program for those experiencing homelessness and are ready to get back into permanent housing. Rehousing services are based on funding availability.
Permanent Supportive Housing: Our PSH program is a HUD-funded program aimed at helping those who have long-term homelessness have housing and support services. This program is only available for Continuum of Care referrals.
Prevention Assistance: Food and Shelter helps individuals and families avoid eviction by helping with rent and utilities. This program is available as funding allows. Those who need assistance can call on the 2nd Tuesday of each month to inquire.
