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In the effort to combat homelessness,
The Oasis of Houston, Inc. will assist by providing transitional & permanent housing for veterans and non-veteran individuals that qualify for our extensive housing program.
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We are eager to help you, 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 veterans and non-veteran' candidates with the proper living accommodations that provides education and training. The organization will have two houses that can have the maximum of 3 to 6 persons per household. 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
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, is a Paralegal and Outreach Coordinator at Lone Star Legal Aid 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 PROGRAM
Reinforcing Our Commitment
Our Residential Housing Program gives our clients a safe, low-cost place to live for up to 2 years. Individuals (veterans & non-military candidates) are required pay 30 percent of their income for rent. But we don’t just provide housing. We network with other agencies to assist men and women with meaningful jobs, most full-time, and some work on collegiate studies at nearby institutions of higher learning. All carry the responsibility to live with integrity in their new neighborhood.
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The Oasis of Houston Housing Program is part of a complete approach to helping a person from homelessness to complete life recovery.
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Program participants will be required to let social workers assist with monthly budgeting and banking for the first six months (they manage their own with coaching the last six months), agree to random drug testing, help with cleaning and maintenance of the home, comply with curfews and other house rules, and attend all counseling/training sessions. Those that do not comply will be removed from the program.
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Counseling/training will include:
Personal budgeting
Computer literacy
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:
Basic cable
Single & Shared Occupancy
Fully furnished
Wi-Fi
Computer room w/internet access
Home telephone (limited access)
Nutritional Care Packages (Food & Clothing)
Laundry room (onsite)
Monthly assessments
HOMELESS OUTREACH
One Step at a Time
With our organization’s mission always in mind, we strive to find new strategies for dealing with this challenge. Homeless Outreach is something that we take very seriously, and our team is working each and every day to make a positive impact.
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This program focuses on providing clothing, transportation, food, and transition/emergency shelter and housing for those that are chronically homeless.
REENTRY PROGRAM (Designated for LOW-RISK Veterans)
There's No Place Like Home
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 TRAINING
Providing a Supportive Platform
This program provides support for candidates who exemplify a need in the areas of communication, resume writing, and interviewing. These classes will provide clients with the skills necessary to obtain employment. We will also partnership with local state education and employment agencies to support the enhancement of community development.
SELECTION PROCESS
We Understand and We Care
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. Women and non-military individuals are encouraged to apply. After completing the application, candidates will be selected for an in-person interview, during which the entire program benefits and requirements are explained to them in detail.
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.
