Oklahoma City has released new data revealing a complex landscape of homelessness in the city, showing both improvements and ongoing challenges. The latest Point in Time Count, conducted on January 23, 2025, found that 1,882 individuals were experiencing homelessness, marking a 2.4% increase from the previous year. This is a significant drop from the 28% increase seen in 2024, indicating a shift in the trend of homelessness in the area.
The annual survey, which aims to capture a snapshot of homelessness in the city, is organized by Key to Home, a public-private partnership committed to addressing this pressing issue. At an event on April 29, 2025, officials announced the findings and emphasized the need for continued support and resources to tackle homelessness effectively.
“We’re not at equilibrium yet but we’re moving toward it, and that’s no small feat,” said Jamie Caves, the homeless strategy implementation manager for Key to Home. She noted that while the overall number of individuals experiencing homelessness has risen, there has been a notable increase in the percentage of people living in transitional housing and shelters.
Among the findings, the number of families experiencing homelessness increased by 13%, a trend attributed to rising rent costs, inflation, stagnant wages, and high childcare expenses. Mayor David Holt addressed the gathering, highlighting the common misconceptions surrounding homelessness. He pointed out that 75% of those counted became homeless in Oklahoma City, with 87% having become homeless in Oklahoma itself.
“They are our friends and neighbors, and they have nowhere else to go,” Holt said, emphasizing the importance of community support in addressing homelessness. He acknowledged the significant role that service providers play in the city’s efforts to combat this issue. “I would be remiss if I did not express the gratitude of the people of Oklahoma City for your work,” he added.
In terms of demographics, the count revealed that 32% of the individuals experiencing homelessness were classified as chronically homeless, meaning they have been homeless for at least a year while also struggling with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, or physical disabilities. This figure represents a decrease from 44% last year, indicating progress in addressing chronic homelessness.
Notably, the count also showed a decrease in several specific groups. Oklahoma City veterans experiencing homelessness fell by 6%, while chronic homelessness decreased by 9%. Additionally, parenting youth saw a dramatic decline of 53%, and unaccompanied youth decreased by 5%. People living outside also fell by 3%, suggesting some positive movement in these areas.
Despite these improvements, leaders at the event stressed that there is still much work to be done. They called for expanded housing options, increased investment in diversion programs, and ongoing support to help individuals maintain stable housing. “Homelessness is a complex and challenging issue, and to address it, we have to pursue complex, strategic, and sometimes expensive solutions,” Holt remarked.
Key to Home has made strides in providing housing solutions, having housed 342 individuals since 2023 and being on track to house 500 by the end of the year. Caves noted that the success of these initiatives is due to the collective efforts of various organizations working tirelessly to support their neighbors. “The service providers who are out there every day doing the heavy lifting on the ground are crucial to this progress,” she said.
Erin Goodin, president and CEO of City Rescue Mission, shared insights about the families they serve, emphasizing that homelessness does not define a person's ability to be a good parent. “Just because they’re homeless does not make them a bad parent,” Goodin stated, highlighting the resilience of families facing these challenges.
Organizations like Curbside Apparel are also playing a role in the community by providing job training for individuals transitioning out of homelessness. Whitley O’Connor, a representative of Curbside, expressed a desire to give back to others the same opportunities he received. “I want to provide those opportunities to others the same way I got them,” O’Connor said, as his team prepared shirts for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s playoff run.
Moreover, the city has made investments in affordable housing to address the root causes of homelessness. Oklahoma City added 500 affordable housing units through its Encampment Rehousing Initiative, aimed at providing stable housing for those in need. Gary Jones, Government Affairs Director at the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Association of REALTORS, explained that perceptions of affordable housing need to evolve. “People think of a home as a house with a yard. However, that’s not the reality of today,” he said, pointing out the mismatch between available housing and community needs.
Maps 4 has allocated approximately $55 million for various affordable housing projects, including a $6.5 million investment to convert the Bricktown Motel 6 into affordable housing units. These steps are part of a broader strategy to ensure that every individual has access to safe and stable housing.
As Oklahoma City moves forward, the community remains committed to supporting those experiencing homelessness. The blend of public and private efforts, alongside a compassionate understanding of the issue, is crucial in fostering a future where homelessness is significantly reduced. “We know that these are our neighbors, our brothers, our family members,” Caves concluded. “It’s part of our community and part of our collective responsibility to help support folks.”
