City Care Receives $2 million challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation
Oklahoma City, OK - City Care, a nonprofit organization providing inclusive, low-barrier shelter, housing navigation and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, was awarded a $2 million challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation.
In 2025, City Care embarked on a capital campaign to expand the continuum of care for those experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity in Oklahoma City. With the funds raised, the organization will develop a 15,106 square foot Medical Respite Center and 24 single-room occupancy quadplex units near the existing Night Shelter and Pershing Center.
As of March 2026, the organization has received an impressive $6.2 million in support from major donors, leaving just over $3.5 million to be raised to meet the challenge benchmark by the October 14 deadline.
City Care’s mission is to end homelessness by tackling the root causes while also building the safety net people need, offering both immediate help and long-term stability for the community’s most vulnerable neighbors.
The Medical Respite Center will be the first of its kind in Oklahoma, offering care to those who may be too ill or frail to recover from illness or injury in a shelter, but do not need to be in the hospital. In addition to its impact on patients, it also provides a cost-effective, ethical solution for the entire Oklahoma City community. Currently, an inpatient hospital stay for an unhoused patient costs approximately $70,000, while Medical Respite averages just $10,125 for a nearly 85% savings.
“For those experiencing homelessness, leaving the hospital often means returning to unsafe or unsanitary conditions while still trying to heal,” said Rachel Freeman, President and CEO at City Care. “Our new Medical Respite Center will ensure our neighbors don’t have to choose between their health and their future. We are proud to offer our community a safe and dignified place to rest, stabilize, and connect with the long-term healthcare and housing resources they need.”
In addition to medical respite, the affordable housing units will respond to the critical shortage of units for low-income households earning 30% of the area median income. Residents at the quads will receive partially furnished housing with rent capped at 30% of income, on-site services for referrals to mental health care, financial literacy classes and job readiness programs, and access to the free Mobile Outreach and Engagement shuttle system.
Since 1948, the Mabee Foundation has helped fund new construction, building renovations, and the purchase of major medical equipment for nonprofit organizations like City Care. With the successful completion of the challenge grant, City Care will have the capacity to break ground on the new Medical Respite Center with hopes to open to the community early 2027.
