our​​ outreach programs

household goods voucher program

Our Household Goods Voucher Program is a donor-funded program that provides beds and essential household items to Howell and Oregon County renters who were formerly unhoused. Read about our program here.

low-income utility deposit program

​Our Low-Income Utility Deposit Program is funded by a Community Foundation of West Plains grant and helps Howell County low-income families pay for utility start-up fees.

Families must go through Ozark Action's Homeless Connect to qualify.  To find out about qualifications, call  Ozark Action at 417-256-6147.
To support our outreach programs or recommend an outreach program, contact 417-257-7184 or uwayhoo@gmail.com. 

Warming shelter program

Starting this winter, Heart of the Ozarks United Way is teaming up with Ozark Action, the West Plains Police Department, and Samaritan Outreach to shelter unhoused individuals in Howell County during extremely cold weather. 

Thank you for​ your Support!

Heart of the Ozarks United Way is extremely grateful for the generous donation of $11,783.33 from the Caterpillar employees in Pomona, Missouri. We are indebted to Caterpillar’s long-time fundraising efforts on our behalf. Thank you, Caterpillar! Your donations support our ten partner agencies.
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Fighting Covid-19 and Homelessness in 2020

Heart of the Ozarks United Way received a $1,000 CARES Act Grant and a $16,200 Dorothy Coover Grant for the Howell County Emergency Shelter Program to shelter homeless families and individuals during the COVID-19 outbreak.

​We will continue to support our community during the pandemic by applying for grants that support community programs. 

2021-2022 Partner agencies

Donations to the United Way serve
  • two domestic violence shelters,
  • one homeless shelter,
  • two after school programs,
  • two youth programs,
  • a single parent fellowship program,
  • and Special Olympics activities in the Howell county area.

Our partner agencies are:
  • Agape House, Inc. of Mountain View
  • Boys and Girls Club - Thayer Branch
  • 37th Judicial CASA for Children
  • Christos House, Inc.
  • Samaritan Outreach Center
  • Ozark Family YMCA - Willow Springs
  • Mountain View Family Youth Center
  • Girl Scout Hut
  • Single Parent Scholarship
  • Special Olympics--Southwest Missouri 

in 2020,
the United way served
​our community 

  • Over 100 homeless people were placed into hotels 
  • Over 300 masks and sanitizers were delivered to homeless individuals and homeless shelters
  • Over 75 homeless individuals received food deliveries
  • Over 25 individuals received clothing

Since the pandemic began, Heart of the Ozarks United Way volunteers have been working as liaisons with Ozarks Healthcare, Ozark Action, Samaritan Outreach, Salutes Homeless Shelter, and the Sheriff's Department to support  individuals in need.

Even if we cannot help you, we may be able to connect you to an agency that can. Do not hesitate to reach out to us at 417-257-7184 if you need help.  ​

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​Days of Giving 2021
​Each year we sponsor Days of Giving where we give back to the local community by participating in local events from cleaning up community areas to serving food at food banks.
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​​Contact us at 417-257-7184 for information about having the United Way give back to your organization.​

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLE

At Heart of the Ozarks United Way, we believe that each United Way community member, donor, volunteer, advocate, and employee must have equal access to solving community problems. We strive to include diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at the center of our daily work.
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