Home / Crime and Justice / OKC Sees First Homelessness Drop Since 2022
OKC Sees First Homelessness Drop Since 2022
13 May
Summary
- Oklahoma City's homelessness count fell 1% from last year.
- This marks the first decrease since the 2022 count.
- Investment and coordinated approaches are credited for the progress.
Oklahoma City has reported a 1% decrease in its total homeless population, marking the first decline since 2022. The recent Point in Time count recorded 1,867 individuals experiencing homelessness. Mayor David Holt highlighted this achievement, stating that current strategies are effective and meeting established milestones.
The Key To Home initiative, a public-private partnership, has been instrumental in this progress. Strategy implementation manager Jamie Caves described the data as stabilization and a reversal of years of upward trends. She emphasized that this success validates a coordinated approach and calls for continued investment to expand services.
Key contributing factors to homelessness identified in the survey include unemployment, financial difficulties, and relationship issues. While overall homelessness decreased, chronic homelessness saw a 2% increase, affecting 440 individuals. The city also noted a 39% decrease in individuals experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence.
Targeted resources are being directed towards youth and family homelessness, which saw increases in the survey. Partnerships with organizations like City Rescue Mission and City Care, supported by a $5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund, aim to enhance wraparound services for families.
Efforts by the Mobile Integrated Health Unit, providing alternatives to 911 for mental health crises, are also recognized for their positive impact. The city and its agencies are advocating for increased funding for this unit, underscoring a committed leadership effort across City Hall.
