SOUTH OAKLAND SHELTER

SOS works to end homelessness by mobilizing interfaith and community resources. All people in our community will have access to a safe and secure place to call home. SOS was established in 1985 by seven religious congregations in Oakland County. SOS works with a diverse range of people struggling with homelessness, including first-time homeless individuals and families, the chronically homeless, veterans, domestic violence victims, and people battling substance abuse, mental health issues, and frequently both. Since our founding, we have cared for more than 12,208 homeless children and adults. Partnering with 67 congregations, SOS operates a rotating shelter system to house and feed the homeless populations. Annually, over 8,000 volunteers commit approximately 42,000 hours of in-kind support to provide over 34,000 meals and 11,000 nights of shelter.

SOS maintains 30-35 unrestricted shelter beds. In line with fair housing practices, no one is withheld services based on their race, ethnicity, or religious affiliation. SOS accepts men, women, and children from Oakland County and beyond. SOS works diligently to move individuals and families from homelessness to housing as quickly as possible. We do this by assisting families with locating safe, affordable, and permanent housing in the community by providing on-going housing case management and providing short, medium, or long-term rental assistance when needed. Currently SOS provides housing assistance to over 80 families in the community at any given time. We aid these families in getting back on their feet and achieving self-sufficiency. Committed to providing long-term support, SOS works to engage and empower clients who have moved from homelessness to housing. Follow-up Care case managers meet with clients within their new homes and communities for a full year after securing housing. In this way, clients continue to receive the case management and resources needed to maintain their housing and self-sufficiency.