Volunteers across Oklahoma City set out early on Jan. 23 to count the number of people experiencing homelessness, in an initiative led by the Key to Home Partnership. The annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count, this year comprised of over 100 individuals, scattered throughout the city's shelters, day centers, and less visible encampments, began their shifts as early as 3:30 a.m., continuing their efforts until about 7 p.m, detailed in a report from the City of Oklahoma City's official news release.
While providing immediate resources, such as bus passes and connections to services, volunteers also gathered crucial data. As reported in the Point-in-Time count, "The annual PIT count provides data points that helps us create trendlines from year to year," Homeless Strategy Implementation Manager Jamie Caves said, highlighting the importance of understanding the community's response to homelessness, as stated by the City of Oklahoma City.
Multiple community partners joined forces to conduct this survey, including the Metropolitan Library System and Mental Health Association of Oklahoma, among others. The efforts to gauge trends are imperative as they shed light on the specific populations affected by homelessness and the impact of services provided to them, as described by the City of Oklahoma City's news release. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development mandates that funded communities run this survey at least biennially, but Oklahoma City opts to do so every year.
Last year's count identified 1,882 people in emergency shelters or out on the streets, marking a slight 2% increase from 2024's figures. The demographics showed a diversity with 63% male, 35% female, and 2% identifying as another gender; racially, 42% were white, 32% were black, 9% were American Indian, and 7% were Hispanic. Including 7% as veterans, the survey also found that 19% were families with at least one minor while 9% were unaccompanied youth. And, as the report by the City of Oklahoma City mentions, 22% were found to be unsheltered or sleeping outside with 23% considered chronically homeless.
Key to Home Partnership, a coalition of over 50 agencies, was formed to manage and address this ongoing challenge. Launched in April 2023, it's a combined effort between public services and the private sector, reflecting the city's commitment to tackling homelessness in innovative ways. "Everyone deserves a place to call home," Caves stated in City of Oklahoma City's official communication, underscoring a shared sentiment that no one in the community should endure the hardship of being without a stable place to call their own.
