Oak City Cares

06/10/2026

This month’s On-Site Partner Spotlight is Hassani Hamilton! He is a Master Barber and provides basic haircut services to our guests.

Quarterly, OCC hosts a Guest Feedback meeting where we can hear directly from those we serve. Haircut services have long been on both our and our guests’ wishlists of services hosted on site. We are so grateful to have Hassani and his barber services on site as a partner!

Hassani is on site Mondays from 1pm-3pm. Haircuts are available by appointment.

06/09/2026

06/05/2026

It’s June! For many individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, Pride Month is a time to celebrate individualism, self-expression, and identity. It is also a time to reflect on the cultural adversities from the past, showing gratitude to the trailblazers that came before, and advocating for the present and future.

28% of LGBTQ youth reported experiencing homelessness or housing instability at some point in their lives, according to a survey done at the University of Chicago. According to that same survey, LGBTQ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their non-LGBTQ peers.

LGBTQ youth who reported experiencing homelessness had 2 to 4 times the odds of reporting mental health challenges and higher rates of victimization, being in foster care, and food insecurity than their stably housed LGBTQ peers.

Homelessness and the LGBTQ community are lamentably linked, but there is hope in preventing LGBTQ youth homelessness. Together, we can:

- Advocate for anti-discrimination policies, family counseling or mediation programs, case management for youth exiting foster care, and increased funding for low-barrier housing programs
- Reimagine shelter services to be more inclusive
- Improve data collection on LGBTQ youth homelessness

But the most important thing we can do is be kind to one another. Happy Pride!

06/01/2026

Happy June ☀ Join us this month for some fun, education, and relaxation!

05/29/2026

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we hosted Health Empowerment Lunch and Learn sessions every Tuesday in May for our guests!

Dr. Klausner of WakeMed and Wendy Gantt of Alliance Health shared information about rage and aggression, mental health in adults, depression and anxiety, and trauma.

Through this series, guests were able to learn about common mental health issues, practical ways to cope, and what resources are available.

If you are struggling, you are not alone. Let’s continue showing up for ourselves and each other!

05/19/2026

Last week, we had a chance to gather with our staff and partners for lunch, games, and good fun!

A special thanks to for making this possible!

05/15/2026

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, our Partner Spotlight is AMAE Health!

AMAE Health provides holistic care for people with serious mental illness. At Oak City Cares, this often looks like listening to people, sorting out what their illnesses are, and brief interventions. AMAE connects people to community services and other resources at their clinic.

To Kate, one of our on-site representatives, seeing people get better and working on a dedicated team is the best part of the work she does.

“People with serious mental illnesses are often overlooked in underserved populations.”

AMAE Health is on-site Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am-12pm.

05/14/2026

Having access to caseworkers and wraparound services can make all the difference in someone's life when they are unsheltered. Such is the case of Susan, who had been homeless for a year, living out of her car alongside her loyal dog, Jack. She remained resilient, prioritizing her doggie's well being and their safety even as she navigated the uncertainties she was facing.

Susan eventually found her way to Oak City Cares, where she met a caseworker determined to help her. By connecting her to community and government resources and providing assistance on budgeting, Susan's life changed. She recently received the life-changing news that she was approved to move into a new apartment. And she was approved for Social Security Disability Insurance, which will provide her with a reliable source of income to help her cover her living expenses.

The Cooper Charitable Foundation is proud to have partnered with Oak City Cares to provide a grant of $1,706 to help Susan cover her move-in fees -- often a barrier to people trying to secure housing. With a safe place to call home, the support of SSDI and continued case management services, Susan is now able to focus on rebuilding her life and planning for a brighter future for herself and Jack.

05/07/2026

With the Summer right around the corner, we are in need of some more donation items!

To make an in-kind donation drop off appointment, reach out to Elaina at 984-344-9612.

Thank you!

05/01/2026

Here is what we've got going on this month for guests! Come get involved and learn more!