HAND UP MINISTRIES began in 1996 to address homelessness among men and women leaving prison.  Oklahoma is 4th in the nation for incarceration.  1 out of 5 are likely to end up homeless and at risk for reoffending without supportive reintegration. 

Highly vulnerable in the first days of freedom, ex-offenders often lack necessities to get on their feet, like securing housing, income, food—even a driver’s license. Seventy percent are coping with a substance use disorder and 25 percent have a serious mental health illness. They face myriad of challenges to achieving self-sufficiency. Without support, nearly 34 percent of adult ex-offenders in states like Indiana will return to prison within three years after release, according to the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC).

We are dedicated to the belief that everyone has value and is redeemable. We are committed to helping our neighbors who want a chance to rebuild their lives after prison or homelessness.   Participants must be willing to cooperate and particpate in their own recovery by developing tools for self-sufficiency physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. In doing so, they have an opportunity to regain hope and dignity and a better life. Many lives have been restored through compassion and practical ministry. 

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Through the years Hand Up Ministries has helped hundreds of men and women successfully reintegrate into society.  After release, many are unemployed and without proper identification to seek employment and obtain stable housing the prospects are grim. Hand Up serves as a stop gap to help them overcome obstacles prevent homelessness.  Our clients are expected to become self-sufficient and self-supporting by participating in work programs, paying for living expenses, and volunteering.

We provide a structured program whereby we assist a client's reintegration into society: getting identification, social security card, housing, food, clothing, household items, hygiene, items and most importantly a job. We also help them address underlying mental health and substance abuse issues and connect to community resources.