Oak City Cares
Oak City Cares is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating a centralized multi-service hub in Raleigh, NC that provides free walk-in coordinated care, meals, basic needs, and rehousing services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Wake County, co-locating over 30 nonprofit and government partners on-site.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersRaleigh, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Oak City Cares does
Oak City Cares is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates as Wake County's front door to homeless care services, functioning as a centralized multi-service hub at 1430 South Wilmington Street in Raleigh, North Carolina. Founded as a separate entity by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh in 2018 (with services launching April 2019 and full operational independence achieved on January 1, 2021), the organization serves individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness in Wake County through coordinated walk-in services including weekend meals, showers, laundry, care coordination, transportation assistance via Uber/Lyft, and coordinated entry intakes. It co-locates over 30 nonprofit and government service providers (Advance Community Health, Durham VA, InterAct, Southlight Healthcare, Triangle Family Services, Haven House, SOAR, Legal Aid of NC, NC Works, WakeMed, Catholic Charities, Alliance Health, Carolina Outreach, and others) under one roof, applying a Housing First model with radical hospitality philosophy. Headcount is 11-50 employees, and as of June 2023 the organization had served 6,204 unique guests cumulatively, with 258,763 meals, 42,148 showers, and 25,150 laundry services delivered since April 2019.
The business model is a public-private partnership funded by donations from individuals and corporations, foundation and corporate grants (including the Duke Energy Foundation), Wake County and City of Raleigh government support, in-kind contributions, and annual event fundraising (Gift of Home Celebration 2026 raised over $352,000). All services are provided free of charge to guests on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis. The underlying technology stack is non-proprietary: WordPress for the website, Firebase for content management, Google Analytics, Intercom Messenger for chat, YouTube and Facebook for content, Complianz for cookie consent, and the NC HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) database for guest data tracking. Revenue is not publicly disclosed, and the organization holds a Charity Navigator Three-Star Rating and GuideStar Transparency Seal.
Governance is provided by a Board of Directors led by Chair Michael DeBender, Vice-Chair Stephanie Poley, Treasurer Rebecca Meyer, and Secretary Derrick Hoover, with Executive Director Kathy Johnson (Triangle Business Journal 2021 Women in Business honoree) and Associate Executive Director of Programs Seaira Green overseeing operations. The organization markets through a multilingual newsletter (Inside Oak City Cares in 12+ languages), active social media channels, monthly facility tours, Corner Cards community distribution, earned regional and national press coverage, and its annual Gift of Home Celebration gala.
Oak City Cares firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Oak City Cares
- Legal name
- Oak City Cares, Inc.
- Website
- https://oakcitycares.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Oak City Cares is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating a centralized multi-service hub in Raleigh, NC that provides free walk-in coordinated care, meals, basic needs, and rehousing services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Wake County, co-locating over 30 nonprofit and government partners on-site.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Oak City Cares industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Homeless and Social Services
- NAICS
- Community Housing Services (62422), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC)
Keywords
Where Oak City Cares is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Raleigh
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Oak City Cares business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Fundraising: Oak City Cares relies primarily on donations from individuals, corporations, and community organizations. The organization accepts financial contributions through its website, mail, and stock donations. Monthly recurring donations are encouraged through the Friends of Oak City Cares Circle program.
- Grants and Foundation Support: The organization receives grant funding from foundations and corporate giving programs, including significant support from the Duke Energy Foundation ($1 million grant to 39 nonprofits including Oak City Cares).
- Government Funding: Oak City Cares operates as a public-private partnership with funding from Wake County and the City of Raleigh for the purchase and renovation of its facility and ongoing operations.
- In-Kind Donations: The organization accepts in-kind donations of supplies, hygiene products, clothing, and other items needed for basic needs programs. These donations support operational capacity without requiring cash expenditure.
- Event Fundraising: Annual Gift of Home Celebration events raise significant funds through sponsorships, auction items, and direct donations. The 2026 event raised over $352,000.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Other | All services provided free of charge to guests |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Oak City Cares product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Oak City Cares operates a free, walk-in multi-service center in Raleigh, NC that provides coordinated access to housing, basic needs, medical, mental health, employment, and benefits services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Wake County. The center co-locates 30+ nonprofit and government service providers and serves as the county's designated Coordinated Entry access site for shelter, street outreach, and homelessness prevention referrals. All services are delivered free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis with care coordination staff creating individualized service plans for each guest.
Product overview
Oak City Cares is a public-private partnership that serves as Wake County's front door to homeless care services. It operates as a multi-services hub that brings together an array of nonprofit services in one central location. The organization offers coordinated care, weekend meals, basic needs services (showers, laundry, computers, phones), care coordination, transportation assistance via ride-sharing, and coordinated entry services. The core offering is not a technology product but rather a comprehensive service center model that integrates multiple partner services including medical care, mental health, and social services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Weekend Meals Program
- Basic Needs Services
- Care Coordinator Services
- Transportation Services
- Coordinated Entry Services
- On-Site Partner Medical Services
- On-Site Mental Health and Substance Use Services
- SOAR Disability Benefits Application Support
- Employment and Job Search Support
- Legal Aid Services
- Volunteer Program
- Donation Services
- Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crisis Services
Quantifiable outcome
- 267 families rehoused in the last year
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Oak City Cares
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Oak City Cares technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
Oak City Cares partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
22 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.
- SquareOne Holding / STIR RestaurantminorSTIR restaurant participates in Charity Month (November) donating percentage of proceeds to Oak City Cares. Cocktails That Care program with Tito's Handmade Vodka raises additional funds through drink sales.
- RevisnminorDonated 93 fleece blankets to support guests experiencing homelessness, demonstrating corporate community engagement.
- Wake CountycoreWake County is a key government partner providing funding for the purchase and renovation of Oak City Cares' facility at 1430 S. Wilmington St. Wake County and the City of Raleigh are the founding government partners in the public-private partnership that created Oak City Cares. Wake County Human Services is co-located at the facility.
- City of RaleighcoreThe City of Raleigh provides critical Weekend Meal support and funding for the purchase and renovation of the facility. The City of Raleigh partnered with Wake County to establish the multi-service center model for homelessness services.
- Advance Community HealthcoreProvides primary care, dental care, nutrition education, behavioral health counseling, and in-house pharmacy services on-site. Walk-in hours for Primary Medical Services are 9am-1pm, with appointments 2pm-4pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
- Durham VAcoreProvides veteran services and resource connections, as well as appointments to Raleigh One Medical Clinic for veterans experiencing homelessness.
- InterActcoreThe only provider of domestic violence and sexual assault services in Wake County. InterAct provides crisis services including 24-hour crisis line (919-828-7740) for guests experiencing domestic violence.
- Southlight HealthcarecoreProvides outpatient mental health and substance use treatment services including adult outpatient services, opioid treatment services, and court services. Completes comprehensive clinical assessments and referrals at Oak City Cares.
- Triangle Family ServicescoreOffers adult street outreach and consumer credit counseling at Oak City Cares. Accomplishes mission of building stronger community through Family Safety, Financial Stability, Mental Health, and Homeless Engagement/Housing Stabilization programs.
- Haven HousecoreProvides youth street outreach at Oak City Cares. Helps more than 1,200 youth aged 6-24 each year overcome challenges and find paths to success through various programs.
- Catholic Charities of the Diocese of RaleighmajorOriginally operated the Oak City Outreach Center (2014-2019) and was chosen to operate Oak City Cares when it opened in April 2019. Created OCC as separate 501c3 organization on June 8, 2018. Organizations became fully independent on January 1, 2021.
- Alliance HealthminorProvides community resources and referral information through the Wake Network of Care for guests needing mental health and behavioral services.
- Carolina OutreachminorProvides on-site comprehensive Clinical Assessments and referrals for guests who have mental health and/or substance abuse disorders and are seeking treatment.
- WakeMedminorProvides health education presentations and interactive components on topics including heart health, stress management, and sleep. WakeMed H.E.A.R.T. Team serves guests with Severe Persistent Mental Illness through on-site appointments.
- Legal Aid of North CarolinaminorState-wide nonprofit law firm providing free legal services from civil matters to low-income people ensuring equal access to justice for guests.
- NC WorksminorJob search support group helping job seekers improve skills and find employment while helping employers find candidates. Offers specialized services for veterans, youth, and other groups.
- StepUp MinistryminorHosts a 2-day employment boot camp each month coaching guests through using skills, experience, and resources to find meaningful work and establish income.
- SOAR (SSI/SSDI, Outreach, Access, Recovery)coreProvides application support to apply for SSI/SSDI benefits through the SOAR Case Management program for qualified, referred guests experiencing homelessness with mental illness or co-occurring disorders.
- Church in the WoodsminorUrban and homeless ministry in Raleigh providing lay counseling and homeless verification services to guests.
- A.C.O.R.N.S.minorTeam of social workers and CIT trained officers that respond to unsheltered guests in the community.
- Southeast Raleigh YMCAminorInstructors provide exercise classes to improve guest health outcomes at the facility.
- DEGA Mobile Veterinary ClinicminorFree pop-up clinic providing basic veterinary care including wellness exams, vaccines, preventatives, surgery, and education to low/no income and homeless pet owners.
Scale indicators14 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Oak City Cares competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Raleigh Rescue Mission: Provides emergency shelter, meals, and recovery programs for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Wake County, NC. Operates a comparable geographic and demographic service profile to Oak City Cares within the same Continuum of Care.
- Urban Ministries of Durham: Community-based nonprofit in Durham, NC serving people experiencing homelessness and poverty with a similar integrated services model including basic needs, case management, and partner coordination.
- Family Promise: National nonprofit network with affiliate programs operating family homelessness prevention and rehousing services, sharing Oak City Cares' Housing First philosophy and family-rehousing outcome focus.
Broad incumbents
- Catholic Charities USA: National network of Catholic Charities agencies; Oak City Cares was originally incubated by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh before becoming fully independent in 2021, sharing service delivery models and beneficiary populations.
- The Salvation Army: Major national nonprofit providing emergency shelter, meals, addiction recovery, and social services nationwide with overlapping basic needs and case management offerings for homeless populations.
Regional players
- Durham Rescue Mission: Durham, NC-based faith-based nonprofit offering shelter, meals, and recovery programs to homeless and addicted populations in the broader Triangle region.
- Greensboro Urban Ministry: Provides shelter, food, and supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty in Guilford County, NC, operating a comparable multi-service community model in a different NC geography.
Emerging players
- Haven House: Raleigh-based youth services nonprofit that provides street outreach at Oak City Cares; serves overlapping homeless and at-risk youth (ages 6-24) populations in Wake County with comparable case management and outreach services.
- InterAct: Wake County's only provider of domestic violence and sexual assault services; co-locates crisis services at Oak City Cares and shares the integrated service hub approach for vulnerable populations.
Others
- National Health Care for the Homeless Council: National advocacy and technical assistance organization supporting HCH programs that integrate healthcare with homeless services; represents the broader national network and best-practice framework within which Oak City Cares operates its medical/behavioral health partnerships.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Oak City Cares social profiles
Digital presenceOak City Cares compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
Oak City Cares financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Oak City Cares leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles17 records
Oak City Cares funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Oak City Cares M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Oak City Cares
What does Oak City Cares do?
Oak City Cares operates a free, walk-in multi-service center in Raleigh, NC that provides coordinated access to housing, basic needs, medical, mental health, employment, and benefits services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Wake County. The center co-locates 30+ nonprofit and government service providers and serves as the county's designated Coordinated Entry access site for shelter, street outreach, and homelessness prevention referrals. All services are delivered free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis with care coordination staff creating individualized service plans for each guest.
Is Oak City Cares a public or private company?
Oak City Cares is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Oak City Cares founded?
Oak City Cares was founded in 2018. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Oak City Cares based?
Oak City Cares is headquartered in Raleigh, United States, in the North America region.
How does Oak City Cares make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Donations and Fundraising is the primary driver. The others are grants and Foundation Support, government Funding, in-Kind Donations and event Fundraising.
Who are Oak City Cares's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Raleigh Rescue Mission, Urban Ministries of Durham and Family Promise. Broad incumbents are Catholic Charities USA and The Salvation Army. Regional players are Durham Rescue Mission and Greensboro Urban Ministry. Emerging players are Haven House and InterAct. National Health Care for the Homeless Council is listed as an others.
Does Oak City Cares have an API?
No public API is recorded for Oak City Cares.
What industry is Oak City Cares in?
Oak City Cares's product category is Homeless and Social Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAEAB, Housing Assistance & Homeless Services, with a secondary code of BPAIANAC, Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services. Its NAICS code is 62422 and its SIC code is 8300.