Grants for felons in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, individuals with felony convictions often face significant barriers to reintegrating into society, including limited access to education, employment, and healthcare. However, various grants and programs are available to help felons overcome these challenges. The state of Oklahoma and private organizations offer a range of grants and assistance programs specifically designed for felons, including educational grants, job training programs, and financial assistance for basic needs like housing and healthcare.
These grants aim to promote rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and empower individuals with felony convictions to rebuild their lives and become productive members of society. By exploring these grant opportunities, felons in Oklahoma can access vital resources and support to help them overcome the obstacles of their past and build a brighter future.
What are the Grants for Felons with No Health Insurance in Oklahoma?
Here are some grants for felons with no health insurance in Oklahoma:
Medicaid
A federally funded program that makes it possible for those with a low income to be able to receive medical care free of charge. If approved, Medicaid will pay for your bills from doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, drug addiction treatment, vision care, and dental care.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Provides people in need with a monthly grant that is used to purchase food. If you are approved, you will receive an electronic debit card where the funds will be added each month.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
A federally funded program that will help felons pay for their utility bills. The program gives grants each year to over 182,000 people in the state.
Catholic Charities
An organization that helps people around the state with meeting their basic needs. They will often provide hot meals, boxes of food, clothing, and more.
What are the Low Income Financial Assistance Programs for Felons in Oklahoma?
Here are some low-income financial assistance programs for felons in Oklahoma ¹:
- Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Helps felons who have difficulty paying for rent or finding affordable housing. The programs through HUD are federally funded and aim to help everyone find affordable housing. Grant amount: up to $1,000 per month.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Provides people in need with a monthly grant that is used to purchase food. Grant amount: up to $300 per month.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Provides those who need help with a monthly cash grant. Grant amount: up to $200 per month.
What Rent Assistance Programs are Available for Felons in Oklahoma?
Felons in Oklahoma can access various rent assistance programs designed to help individuals with financial difficulties, including those with criminal records. There are second chance apartment and housing communities for felons where they can live, and some states provide grants to help felons with housing. Here are some key programs that may offer rent support:
1. Oklahoma Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
Administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), the Section 8 program provides rent subsidies to low-income individuals, including felons. The program allows participants to find their housing, with a portion of the rent covered by the voucher.
Felons can apply, though certain serious convictions (such as drug-related or violent offenses) may affect eligibility. Local housing authorities, such as the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), manage the program across the state.
2. Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program offers short-term rent assistance and support services for individuals and families facing homelessness. ESG funds are often administered through local shelters or non-profit organizations. Felons in need of immediate housing support due to eviction or financial hardship may qualify for this program.
3. Salvation Army Rent Assistance Programs
The Salvation Army provides emergency financial assistance for rent to low-income individuals, including felons, who are facing eviction or housing instability. In Oklahoma, various branches of the Salvation Army offer rent assistance, utility assistance, and other forms of financial help.
4. Catholic Charities of Oklahoma
Catholic Charities is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency rent assistance, housing support, and case management services for individuals facing financial hardship, including felons. Their services aim to prevent homelessness by offering short-term financial assistance and referrals to affordable housing resources.
5. Homeless Alliance
Based in Oklahoma City, the Homeless Alliance works to provide housing and services for those at risk of homelessness. They offer rental assistance, case management, and reentry services that are particularly helpful for felons seeking stable housing. This program provides both short-term and long-term housing solutions.
6. Community Action Agencies
Local Community Action Agencies across Oklahoma offer a variety of assistance programs, including help with rent, utility bills, and emergency housing for low-income individuals. Felons who meet income and residency requirements may qualify for assistance through these agencies.
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What are the Small Business Grants for ex-convicted Felons in Oklahoma?
Ex-convicted felons in Oklahoma have several opportunities to access small business grants and financial assistance to help start or grow a business. While direct grants specifically targeting felons are rare, there are programs and resources available that can provide capital, training, and support. Here are key options:
1. Kiva Microloans
Kiva offers community-backed, zero-interest loans to underserved entrepreneurs, including ex-convicted felons. Though not a grant, Kiva microloans of up to $15,000 can be helpful for business startups and expansions. The application process is more lenient than traditional loans, making it easier for those with criminal records to qualify.
2. Oklahoma Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
While the Oklahoma SBDC does not offer direct grants, they provide critical resources for ex-felons starting a business, including assistance with business planning, loan applications, and identifying grant opportunities. They also offer workshops and mentoring programs to help felons succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
3. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grants
WIOA funds can be used to provide workforce training and skill development, including entrepreneurial training. Although WIOA does not offer direct cash grants for starting a business, it can cover the costs of business training, which can be valuable for ex-convicted felons seeking to build the skills needed to run a business in Oklahoma.
4. Amber Grant for Women
For ex-convicted female entrepreneurs, the Amber Grant awards $10,000 each month to women-owned businesses, with an additional $25,000 given to one of the monthly winners at the end of the year. While it is a national program, it’s open to women in Oklahoma and could be a great opportunity for female felons looking to start or grow a business.
5. Reentry and Nonprofit Programs
Reentry programs and local nonprofits like Goodwill Re-Integration Services and Catholic Charities in Oklahoma may offer microloans or business development resources tailored for ex-convicted individuals. These programs can help felons access small business grants or funding through partnerships with local business incubators or community organizations.
What are the Educational Grants for ex-felons in Oklahoma?
Ex-felons in Oklahoma have several opportunities to access educational grants and financial aid to help them pursue higher education or vocational training. These programs are designed to support individuals in rebuilding their lives through education and career development. Here are some key options:
1. Federal Pell Grants
Pell Grants are available to low-income students, including ex-felons, and provide financial aid for undergraduate education. The maximum award for the 2024-2025 academic year is $7,395 per year. Felons are generally eligible for Pell Grants unless convicted of certain drug offenses while receiving federal aid, though eligibility may be reinstated after completing an approved drug rehabilitation program.
2. Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG)
The Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant provides financial aid to eligible Oklahoma residents attending public or private colleges within the state. Ex-felons who meet the low-income and academic requirements can qualify for this grant. The amount varies, but it can provide up to $1,500 per academic year, depending on financial need and available funding.
3. Oklahoma’s Promise
Oklahoma’s Promise is a scholarship program for students from low-income families. While it primarily targets high school students, adult learners, including ex-felons, may be eligible if they meet the program’s income requirements. It covers the cost of tuition at public colleges and universities in Oklahoma.
4. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
This federal grant is available to students with exceptional financial need, including ex-felons. Award amounts range from $100 to $4,000 per year, depending on the student’s financial need and the availability of funds at the educational institution. Like Pell Grants, this does not have to be repaid.
5. Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
Oklahoma offers vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities, including those with criminal records. These programs can provide financial support for educational and vocational training, particularly for ex-felons who qualify based on physical or mental disabilities.
Free Money for Released Inmates in Oklahoma
Here are some resources that provide free money or financial assistance to released inmates in Oklahoma:
- Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODC) Reentry Services: Offers financial assistance for housing, transportation, and employment expenses.
- Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS): Provides financial assistance for food, housing, and employment expenses through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
- Salvation Army: Offers financial assistance for housing, utilities, and employment expenses.
- Catholic Charities: Provides financial assistance for housing, utilities, and employment expenses.
- United Way: Offers financial assistance for housing, utilities, and employment expenses.
How Does TEEM Reentry Services Empower Released Prisoners from the Criminal Justice System?
TEEM (The Education and Employment Ministry) Reentry Services is a non-profit organization that empowers released prisoners from the criminal justice system in several ways:
- Job Training and Placement: TEEM provides vocational training, resume building, and job placement services to help individuals gain employment and become self-sufficient.
- Education and GED Preparation: TEEM offers educational programs, including GED preparation, to help individuals improve their literacy skills and obtain a high school equivalency diploma.
- Counseling and Mentoring: TEEM provides one-on-one counseling and mentoring services to help individuals address personal challenges, set goals, and develop a plan for success.
- Housing Assistance: TEEM helps individuals find affordable housing and provides temporary financial assistance for rent and utilities.
- Case Management: TEEM assigns a case manager to each individual to provide support, guidance, and connection to community resources.
- Community Reintegration: TEEM helps individuals reconnect with their community through volunteer work, community service, and other activities.
- Substance Abuse Treatment: TEEM provides access to substance abuse treatment and support groups to help individuals overcome addiction.
- Health and Wellness: TEEM offers health and wellness services, including medical and dental care, to promote overall well-being.
- Legal Assistance: TEEM provides legal assistance and advocacy to help individuals navigate legal issues and protect their rights.
- Follow-up Support: TEEM provides ongoing support and follow-up services to ensure individuals remain on track and continue to make progress after their initial release.
By providing these comprehensive services, TEEM Reentry Services empowers released prisoners to successfully reintegrate into society, overcome barriers, and build a brighter future.
