Food and Shelter is many things. Most of all, it’s a place of hope.
About
The mission of Food and shelter is simple…
we feed people who are hungry and help those living homeless make their way back home.
Food and Shelter was founded in 1983 by a group of compassionate members of McFarlin United Methodist Church lead by Harriet Leigh and Kathryn Selmon. They began distributing meals to hungry people out in community parks but soon it became clear the need was greater than anticipated and McFarlin UMC brought in a coalition of volunteers to expand services. In 1987, Food for Friends opened in their original location at 104 West Comanche which is 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 and dads and children have better lives through 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 to eat. 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 per day every day of the week, every day of the year. We open our doors to anyone who is hungry regardless of housing status.
The Share Center: A Food Pantry and Resource Center is open Tuesday and Wednesday 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Thursday and Friday 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 open each day 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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 shelter is full and funding is available we can offer motel stays for those working on a housing plan.
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 in on the 2nd Tuesday of each month to inquire for assistance.
