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In the effort to combat homelessness,
The Oasis of Houston, Inc. will assist by providing transitional & permanent housing programs.
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We care and understand.
If you are interested or have questions,
give us a call today!
ABOUT
Our Purpose
The Oasis of Houston, Inc. is a local non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the goal of becoming a source instead of a solution by empowering with the proper living accommodations that provides education and training. Each candidate must be carefully vetted and assessed by the assigned social or caseworker. Life skill courses will help clients with personal management skills. The activities will help the client learn how to cope with basic household and environmental obstacles.
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The long-term goal for the organization is ensuring participants are not re-institutionalized. We will achieve our goals through our dedication to empower each person in our program. We believe veterans and non-military individuals and should have the choice to live without barriers and to participate fully in all aspects of the community.
MEET THE TEAM
Board of Directors
ZANTA SIMMONS
Founder, President, CEO
Zanta is a native Houstonian and the President, Founder of The Oasis of Houston, Inc. She is also the Owner and President of Veteran's Progress & Recovery Services which assists veterans, individuals, seniors and disabled clients with transitional, permanent, or assisted living housing accommodations. In conjunction, Zanta is also the President and CEO of YOUniversal Transportation of Texas LLC, specializing in non-emergency medical transportation. Zanta’s extensive career dovetails into Corporate Administration, construction, and commercial property management. Because of her personal commitment to help others, she has chosen to specialize in assisting veterans with transitional and permanent housing solutions.
As the daughter of a deceased Vietnam Veteran, Zanta is at the forefront in combating veteran homelessness, and through her love of service she has gained the respect of local agencies for partnership. Through her love of service, Zanta is inspired to create change and opportunities that will allow veterans to regain their independence.
REGINAL SIMMONS
Vice President
As the Vice-President, Co-Founder of The Oasis of Houston, Inc. He is also the Co-Owner of Veteran's Progress & Recovery Services along with spouse Zanta Simmons. Reginal is responsible for overseeing the everyday operations of projects that are conducive to the needs of veterans. Reginal’s career consists of primarily logistics, warehousing, and transportation. As a proud Houstonian, Reginal is glad to assist veterans with housing opportunities, that provide needed support for improvement.
ASHLEI SHAW
Board Secretary
Ashlei provides administrative support to The Oasis of Houston, Inc. She is a current graduate of University of Houston acquiring a BA in Human Resources Management. Ashlei developed a strong sense of devotion for the nonprofit sector as the beneficiary of scholarships received through youth development programs within her community. This experience gave her a deep appreciation for how nonprofits help to improve the quality of life for people in need of additional support.
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BRANDI BAKER
Treasurer
Owner, Operator
K & L Medical Transportation
Brandi Baker has a 14-year background in law enforcement and was formally a Sheriff Deputy for Harris County. She is currently the Owner, Operator of K & L Medical Transportation Services. Brandi is a loving mother of 3 veterans, and the daughter of a Gulf War veteran. Her medical transportation service focuses on comfortable and efficient support for both patients and doctors alike. Brandi Baker joined The Oasis of Houston, Inc. with the vision and drive to improve our non-profit organization by focusing on duties as the Treasurer with experience and integrity.
LOWANDA GARRETT
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President, CEO
Garrett's Consulting Services
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Lowanda Garrett is a native of the northeast area of Houston, Texas. After graduation from high school she attended Houston Community College where she studied Criminal Justice. Later, she answered the call to mission God’s word across Texas and received education through Letourneau University, where she studied Biblical Studies and Ministry.
As a minister, Lowanda has assisted at local family shelters and criminal justice facilities across Texas. She has participated by feeding the homeless, clothing drives, and countless other endeavors in Houston. In her spare time Lowanda cultivates her business, Garrett’s Consulting Services specializing in a wide array of Business Administrative Services.
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CHLOE BAKER
U.S.
Airforce Veteran
Chloe Baker, U.S. Air Force, has experience as a former Paralegal and Outreach Coordinator servicing military veterans and their family members. She is also in school studying psychiatry with a focus in PTSD. Chloe is a Military and Veteran Peer Mentor and works closely with dozens of veteran service organizations throughout the nation. She has a passion for bringing healing those who have been through traumatic/stressful events. Chloe sits on the committee for Women Veteran’s Day bringing awareness to the women who have served. She is an airmen, student, mentor, and enthusiastic volunteer always ready to serve.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The Oasis of Houston, Inc. is in the business of changing and shaping lives. The work we do at our Non-Profit Organization is aimed at providing a realistic approach to solving veteran homelessness.
HOUSING PROGRAMS
Our Residential Housing Program provides an affordable living option for individuals based on their needs and income criteria.
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​Program participants will be required attend Peer Mentoring Sessions, agree to random drug testing, help with cleaning and maintenance of the home, comply with curfews and other house rules, and attend all counseling sessions.
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Counseling/training will include:
Peer Mentoring Sessions (Mandatory for all candidates)
AA Meetings
NA Meetings
Local Community Center Enrollment
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Other social service resources will be provided on an individual needs basis.
Housing will be provided in a safe, stable home with the following amenities:
24/7 Security Monitoring
Onsite Property Management
Streaming TV Services
Single & Shared Occupancy (based on location and income criteria)
Food Resources (Limited and based on individual need)
Fully furnished
Wi-Fi
Laundry room (onsite)
Monthly assessments
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ASSISTED LIVING PROGRAM
Our Assisted Living Program is specifically designed for veterans who do not need hospital or nursing home care but cannot reside alone due to medical or psychiatric conditions. This is the only program that will provide residents 3 meals and 2 snacks daily. A limited amount of medication management and transportation is provided. Candidates can only be referred by a Community Residential Care Supervisor (CRC Program) with Michael DeBakey V.A. Medical Center.
REENTRY PROGRAM (LOW-RISK Ex-Offenders)
The Reentry Program involves the use of programs targeted at promoting the effective reintegration of veteran ex-offenders that are homeless after prison release. Reentry programming, which often involves a comprehensive case management approach, is intended to assist veteran ex-offenders in acquiring the life skills needed to succeed in the community and become law-abiding citizens.
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The Oasis of Houston will target low risk veteran ex-offenders and will offer a variety of programs are used to assist ex-offenders in the reentry process, including drug rehabilitation, vocational training, and other work programs. This program set up veterans who exemplify the need. Certain restrictions do apply, according to offenses.
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LOW RISK DEFINITION: Refers to a criminal offender who has lesser tendencies to re-offend and is of minimal risk to the community. In most cases they may be first time offenders. Low risk offenders are more likely to have a community sentence. When supervised in the community, they are watched less closely than the high risk offenders.
JOB RESOURCES
We are connected to a host of agencies are designed to promote success and prevent homelessness among veterans, These local agencies want to employ serious candidates only! Our belief in "Boots On The Ground", is how we feel about supporting candidate seeking to better their lifestyle. Ultimately the work begins with self first.
SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants for the program participation are directed to The Oasis of Houston, Inc. from local social service agencies located in Harris County, Texas. Veterans will receive priority placement. After completing the application, candidates will be selected for an in-person interview, during which program benefits and requirements are formally explained.
The Oasis of Houston, Inc. is primarily seeking candidates who want to change and develop the skill of taking responsibility for their own lives and becoming productive members of society. Participants are selected from among applicants on a first come – first serve basis.
