Bridge OKC Fund Awards Nearly $800,000 For Housing And Mental Health Programs

Bridge OKC Awards Nearly $800,000 To Expand Housing And Mental Health Programs

The Bridge OKC Fund is investing nearly $800,000 to expand housing assistance, mental health care and homelessness prevention programs across central Oklahoma through grants awarded to three of the state's largest nonprofit organizations.

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation (OCCF) announced the Bridge OKC Fund is awarding $794,750 to the Key to Home Partnership, Homeless Alliance and Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Foundation leaders also announced a fourth grant will be awarded in the future, bringing the fund's total investment to more than $1 million.

Bridge OKC Fund Invests In Housing And Mental Health

The Bridge OKC Fund was created by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation to address some of central Oklahoma's most urgent community needs by supporting data-driven programs focused on housing stability and mental health.

The initiative is funded through charitable donations entrusted to the foundation and is designed to strengthen organizations already working to reduce homelessness and improve access to behavioral health services.

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation said the grants will support practical, community-based solutions that help individuals secure stable housing while expanding access to mental health care and long-term support services.

"This grant is made possible through the vision and generosity of donors who trust OCCF to help identify and address our community's greatest needs," said Trisha Finnegan, President and CEO of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.

Finnegan said increasing homelessness and mental health challenges continue affecting families throughout central Oklahoma, making investments in proven nonprofit programs more important than ever.

Grant Funding Will Support Three Oklahoma Organizations

One of the largest grants will help expand the Key to Home Partnership CARE Team, which brings together more than 50 organizations working to prevent and end homelessness throughout Oklahoma City.

The outreach program pairs case managers with mental health professionals to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with housing, treatment, employment resources and long-term support. The Key to Home Partnership reports the collaborative effort has already helped move more than 500 people from encampments into permanent housing.

The Homeless Alliance will use its grant to improve its day shelter while working toward certification as a behavioral health provider, allowing the organization to expand on-site mental health services and secure additional long-term funding.

Meanwhile, the Mental Health Association Oklahoma will expand its Shelterwell Program, which focuses on preventing homelessness by helping families facing eviction remain in stable housing. The program will also expand services for Spanish-speaking residents while strengthening data collection to support national research partnerships.

Programs Focus On Long-Term Stability

Foundation leaders say the grants are intended to support long-term solutions instead of temporary assistance.

The Shelterwell Program addresses one of Oklahoma's leading causes of homelessness by providing advocacy and support for families facing eviction before they lose their housing.

The Mental Health Association Oklahoma says preventing evictions not only keeps families housed but also reduces pressure on emergency shelters, crisis response systems and other community resources.

OCCF officials said the Bridge OKC Fund represents an ongoing commitment to investing in organizations already producing measurable results while helping more Oklahomans access housing, mental health care and services that promote lasting stability.

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