Ending homelessness is Ardmore center's mission - KTEN.com - Texoma news, weather and sports

ARDMORE, Okla. It's a sad reality, whether you see it with your own eyes or not: The number of homeless people in Ardmore is growing.

"We're all just one paycheck away from being homeless," said Grace Day Center director Megan Boyer.

On a normal day, the center will see about 30 people come seeking help, but in recent months that number has doubled.

Boyer said many just can't find a job that pays enough to cover typical expenses.

"The economy -- as far as the wages, the cost of living -- it really and truly doesn't add up," she said, adding that anyone at any time could need the center's help. She talked about one man who may not fit your image of a client.

"[He] worked for the railroad and made $50 an hour, and is not in a situation where he's homeless," Boyer said.

She's also seeing more people from outside Oklahoma asking for help from Grace Day Center.

"They know you can come in here and take a shower, and do your laundry, and you can get something to eat and get cleaned up," Boyer said.

The center does a great job to help people in the short term, but it ultimately wants to do more. Boyer said she's helping people in ways to keep them off the streets for good.

"I've been doing a lot of helping people with resumes and filling out applications, getting them set up," she said. "We want them to work."

The Grace Day Center, at 7 A Street NW in Ardmore, is open weekdays. Call 580-226-2878 for more information.