The Office of Human Concern (OHC) in Rogers works primarily with the elderly, handicapped and families. Parts of the services offered by OHC are short-term solutions for family needs and some are solutions to long-term issues in their family.

Short-term Solutions include:

Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) - This program operates from January to September each year and provides a one-time payment on a utility bill for an eligible family each year. If the family is threatened with a cutoff notice, OHC can provide payment to the utility to restore utility service.

Commodities Program - OHC authorizes and have delivered USDA commodities to three pantries located in Benton, Carroll and Madison. Each site serves 200+ families with the commodities and with food donated by the community.

Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP) - OHC oversees three county committees that award up to $60,000 each year to community groups and faith based organizations that in turn often match the money with local donations.

Long Term Solutions include:

Seniors Congregate Meals/Socialization/Exercise - OHC has seven Senior centers in Berryville, Huntsville, Bentonville, Gravette, Siloam Springs, Gentry and Lowell. These centers will serve up to 500 lunches each day. Buses go out from the centers to pick up the elderly (Age 60+) bring them in for social time, food and exercise. The buses will also take their riders to stores and pharmacies or other places they may need to go. For shut-ins, OHC delivers prepared meals to the homes. Each week two meals are prepared and frozen for the shut-ins to have for two meals for the weekend.

Weatherization program (WX) - OHC weatherizes 90 houses in Benton, Carroll, Madison, and Washington counties. Weatherization includes caulking, sealing, insulation, storm windows and/or replacement windows (dual pane), exterior doors, etc. OHC is limited to $850 per house for materials. Return on this program is a savings of $50-100 a month. Most low-income families spend 20% or more of their income on energy.

Homeowner Housing Rehab (HOME) - A  program that is operating in Benton, Carroll and Madison counties provides a no interest, no principal loan for up to $25,000 in repairs. OHC is anticipating that 20+ houses will be rehabbed in 2010. Most of the homeowners will be elderly.

Community Partnerships - OHC has 90+ partners (the number keeps growing) in the three counties it serves that leverage staff and resources with OHC to serve families in need.

There are many other efforts that OHC sponsors and/or oversees that can't be mentioned in this short overview. OHC receives Community Service Block Grant from the federal government to assist in managing the programs and in developing community programs.