Office of Human Concern Customers
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The Office of Human Concern serves over 3,000 low-income families each year. Because of the nature of OHC services, most are elderly (60+) and many are disabled.
Many seniors earn $579-$1,000 a month from Social Security. The seniors are more likely to own their property than the younger families. The senior Social Security check will be spent on prescriptions, energy (gas, utilities) and food. Often a senior will go hungry in order to pay a utility bill or buy a prescription.
Low-income families fall into several groups:
1. Poor and do not want to change their circumstances
2. Trapped in life's circumstances (divorce, tragedy, disability) and unable to change current situation
3. Elderly and Disabled unable to work and/or change up situation
4. Homeless (This group is increasing in size each year. Many are mentally ill, addicted and disabled. More families are showing up in this group.)
The majority of families served are in groups 1 and 3. The smallest group is #2. This group is the one OHC is working with to develop a financial structure that will change their current situation and move the families towards self-sufficiency.
With the proper staffing, OHC could serve up to 300 or 10% of those served. To assist 300 families to become self-sufficient would be an awesome goal to achieve as the poor in spirit are a challenge to change their life goals.
All the families OHC serve fall under 125% of Health & Human Services Poverty income guidelines (poverty chart will be sent separately). An exception to that is the HOME Rehab program that is 80% Lower Living Standards (HUD)
With each family OHC examines the following life issues:
1. Housing
2. Employment/support
3. Health coverage
4. Child Care
5. Education (financial, etc.)
6. Transportation
Families quite often have none of the above. Some have housing and transportation and nothing else. Some issues can be addressed in twelve months others in thirty-six.
Fortunately, OHC doesn't have to "go it alone" as there are a number of partners that works with OHC day in and day out offering resources that a family could utilize and gain financial independence.
An example would be Employment. In Rogers there is a group that provides job coaching, clothing, make-up and appearance assistance to women. Since many of the women OHC works with are single parents, this can be a real help to OHC efforts in meeting life's issues.