Ozark Opportunities, Inc. offers rent and utility assistance

Financial hardships are one of the most stressful aspects that many people face. The constant worrying about those bills that keep piling up can be overwhelming and downright depressing. For those in the six county area that includes Baxter, Boone, Marion, Newton, Searcy and Van Buren counties, there is help. Ozark Opportunities, Inc. offers assistance for rent and utilities for those who qualify. The Arkansas Fresh Start program was launched in November of 2020, and has provided over $101,000 to 93 people to help with rent payments so far and still has funds available for those in need. The program can pay up to two and a half months of rent payments. Individuals who are one month past due are encouraged contact OOI as soon as possible to apply for help. The moratorium on evictions that was passed by CDC on rental evictions is scheduled to expire on March 31. Applicants may visit https://ozarkopp.org/ or https://arfreshstart.com/ to learn more about the programs, or they may call 870-741-2089 to reach the OOI office for help. Ozark Opportunities may also be able to help with the high cost of utilities. The Non-Emergency and Crisis Winter Energy Assistance Programs are still available to help those who are falling behind on utility payments. Many families are currently facing the dilemma of having to choose between buying food and medicine or paying to provide heat for the home. These programs can provide relief and alleviate the stress involved with financial hardships. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program benefits thousands of households every year. Applications for these programs and other types of assistance are available online only. Applicants may visit https://ozarkopp.org/ or https://arfreshstart.com/ to learn more about the programs, or they may call 870-741-2089 to reach the OOI office for help. These two programs are not the only services offered by OOI. The organization also offers vehicle repair loans up to $500, HOPE revolving loan funding for homeless individuals to obtain housing, Early Childhood Education programs and will help individuals find assistance through other organizations if needed. Ozark Opportunities, Inc. is also seeking to place two new microshelters in the area. The shelters are ready to be moved to locations that can provide an electrical hook-up as well as access to a restroom and kitchen facilities. These microshelters can provide a temporary living space for up to three adults. Entities interested in hosting a microshelter should contact the OOI office for more details.