Metro group helping Oklahomans keep up with the rising costs of living
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — It’s a new year and a new you, but in Oklahoma, some folks are feeling the same squeeze on their finances since the pandemic hit. One group in Oklahoma City is doing their best to make sure you have what you need to keep up with the rising costs of living.
Periann Pulliam and Upward Transitions have done the homework, and show that the minimum wage in Oklahoma is not keeping up with the costs of living.
“We’re paying more for gas, we’re paying more for milk, we’re paying more for eggs, and when you’re on a low income and a fixed budget, that really impacts being able to pay rent and utilities,” Pulliam said.
Upward Transitions is helping lead the charge for change by offering financial assistance for folks bearing the financial burden left behind by inflation.
“We work specifically with individuals who are homeless to help them regain their identity and we work with family and seniors who are housed to help them avoid eviction,” Pulliam said. “The need has increased tremendously we have seen it escalate over the last couple of years.”
In Oklahoma, the Fair Market Value for a two-bedroom apartment is $863. If someone wants to afford this without paying more than 30% of their income on housing, a household needs to earn $2,878 a month, or $34,539 annually. This equates to an hourly housing wage of $16.61. The current minimum wage in Oklahoma is $7.25.
“The fair market value in Oklahoma City has had about a 15% increase in the last year and if you’re working full time for minimum wage to pay that increase is a pretty good chunk of your budget,” Pulliam said.
Pair that with the aftereffects of the pandemic, where the moratorium on evictions and other rising costs caused people to fall behind on their rent, and now the program is pushing to help more people than ever before.
“Our services are very limited. We can help up to 10-12 families a week," Pulliam said. "The money as you imagine goes very fast. We receive hundreds and hundreds of applications a week.”
Pulliam says there is power in the program, and Upward Transitions is doing their part to solve a problem and help break a cycle.
“We track the clients, we assist, we call them 90-days after, we help six months after, we help after a year," said Pulliam. "Year over year our statistics show that upwards of 80-or 85 percent of the individuals we assist are still housed a year later.”
With hopes that a little help in a time of crisis can go a long way, to show the next generation a better path to helping out those around them.
“The trauma that kids go through when their families are evicted and having to stay in a shelter or sleep on a couch at a family member's house is life lasting,” Pulliam said.
Upward Transitions not only has financial assistance for families but also provides homeless services for those in the community as well. But this group always needs volunteers either through financial help or by donating your time.
Many things in life can leave a person in crisis: the aftermath of a storm, loss of a job, abuse at home, mental health struggles, and bills higher than earnings. 2-1-1 Heartline provides resources and support to get you back on your feet.
Call 2-1-1 now or text your zip code to 898-211. For those outside of the 405 area code, dial 1-877-362-1606 for 2-1-1 Heartline in Central Oklahoma.
Upward Transitions’ weekly rent and utility assistance online screening form for families with children under the age of 18 or seniors aged 55 or older living in Oklahoma County opens on Monday beginning at 7:00 a.m. until the number of requests received exceeds their funding capacity for the week.
Screening is also available for rent and utility assistance via phone at 405-232-5507 beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Mondays for families with children under the age of 18 or seniors ag 55 or older living in Oklahoma City limits or Oklahoma County. Upward Transitions does not accept requests during weeks with a holiday.
To donate to Upward Transitions, click here.
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