Midwest City Family Avoids Homelessness Through Rental Program

Deanne Stein, News9.com

MIDWEST CITY, Oklahoma -- An Oklahoma City organization helps families in the metro avoid homelessness.

That was the case for single mom Deszhurea Robinson and her four children. Deszhurea moved her family to Oklahoma from New Orleans last fall to care for her mother who had cancer.

"I thought I would get here and she would have her surgery and then I would live with her," recalled Deszhurea. "It didn't happen that way."

Deszhurea's mother died in September, just a week after Deszhurea arrived with her children.

"We still got a week with her and I'm thankful for that," said Deszhurea. "She got to see all her kids before she left."

Her mother's death not only put an emotional burden on Deszhurea, but she also had the unexpected task of finding a place to live. She said it was a struggle because the places she would find were either unavailable or unaffordable. She even tried to find a shelter only to discover they were full. Just as she was about to give up hope, her friend told her about NSO or the Neighborhood Services Organization.

"It was a blessing," she said. "It was just what I needed."

Through NSO's rental assistance program, the Robinson's were placed in an apartment. NSO even took care of the deposit and first month's rent. Another family adopted them and helped provide Christmas presents and furnishings for their new apartment.

"It was a kick start and a good start," said Deszhurea. "Now, I can take it from here."

Deszhurea found a job in home healthcare and plans to give back and volunteer at NSO to help other families in need.

"They really helped me and gave me hope for this year," she said.

Each year, NSO helps thousands of needy people and families in Oklahoma City through its various programs.

Find out more about NSO and its programs to help needy people and families in Oklahoma City.