A year after opening their new residential community, Food and Shelter Inc. staff members said the 32-house development built to accommodate Norman’s homeless is flourishing.
Office and Properties Manager Xochit Thompson said having their own homes gives residents a newfound feeling of confidence.
“You can see the difference in somebody when they live in a house; they have pride,” Thompson said.
Homes in McKown Village range from 400- to 800-square-feet, and the residents are invited to take the furnishings with them when they move into their next homes. Residents can stay up to 2 years and receive aid for as long as necessary afterward.
Thompson said she believes it’s difficult to stay focused on life goals and everyday tasks when people worry about where they will lay their heads that night.
Staff members say they are incredibly thankful to be in Norman because of the support the organization receives from the city. The community helps in filling the food pantry, donating coats in the winter as well as decorating and furnishing homes before each family moves in.
“We’ve been very lucky,” Thompson said. “The city of Norman is very generous.”
Frequent donor Elaine Hill routinely donates diapers, toiletries and canned foods to Food and Shelter. She said she believes the organization is a good opportunity for people who need a second chance.
“It’s a great opportunity for anyone just trying to get their life together,” Hill said.
Food and Shelter has employment opportunities through Norman Workforce and assigns case managers to each resident to ensure they are making progress.
“We want to help them and give them a hand up, not a hand out,” Thompson said.
The program is intended to empower homeless people and provide them with the most basic human necessities, food and shelter, Thompson said. She said her job has expanded her comfort zone and made her more of an advocate for others.
“We’re all just people, and we’re all just trying to survive,” Thompson said.
