Opportunities, Inc., a community action agency in Oklahoma, faces a difficult environment when carrying out its CSBG mission of empowering low-income people to become self-sufficient. The agency serves 13 very rural counties in a geographic area with rough physical conditions and proud residents who do not accept help easily. The agency is able to hold a physical presence in only 8 of the 13 counties, leaving residents of the remaining five counties without a permanent service center within a reasonable distance from their homes.

Because the agency understands the importance of a physical presence and building relationships face-to-face with clients, the tough geographical conditions presented a challenge. Unique challenges call for unique solutions.

In FY 2010, Opportunities, Inc. implemented an innovative mobile outreach initiative that allows staff to travel throughout the entire service area to bring information and services to citizens in its underserved communities. A van now travels to communities, sets up at a local business, distributes flyers, and takes applications for services. A mobile kitchen also serves meals to low-income individuals and responds to emergency community needs when they emerge.

As a result of this mobile initiative, Opportunities, Inc. reached 514 additional families in remote areas. These individuals signed up for services, received assistance and information, and connected with Community Action. CSBG made this possible, providing not only funding for the equipment, vans, and staff who work on the mobile services, but also the federal directive to coordinate funds and services to meet local needs and reduce poverty across the country.

Data sources

• U.S. Census Bureau, “American FactFinder,” 2007 American Community Survey (accessed May 2011). Data came from the following tables: Statewide poverty percentages, GCT1701, Ratio of income to poverty level, C17002
• U.S. Census Bureau, “American FactFinder,” 2009 American Community Survey (accessed May 2011). Data came from the following tables: Statewide poverty percentages, GCT1701, Ratio of income to poverty level, C17002
• Half in Ten analysis of Table 1, 2007 State Expenditure Report, National Association of State Budget Officers.
• Half in Ten analysis of Table 1, 2009 State Expenditure Report, National Association of State Budget Officers.
• U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, Annual Social and Economic Supplement, 2007 through 2008.
• U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, Annual Social and Economic Supplement, 2009 through 2010.
• U.S. Census Bureau, “American FactFinder,” 2007 American Community Survey (accessed May 2011). Data came from the following tables: R2515
• U.S. Census Bureau, “American FactFinder,” 2009 American Community Survey (accessed May 2011). Data came from the following tables: R2515
• Center for American Progress analysis of CEPR Current Population Survey ORG data.
• Food Research and Action Center.