What is the Point-in-Time Count?
It's an annual one-day snapshot of people experiencing homelessness, required for communities receiving federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Oklahoma / Oklahoma City
After years of increases, Oklahoma City has recorded its first decrease in homelessness since 2022. The annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count shows a 1% reduction, signaling a potential turning point in the city's approach to addressing homeless...
Oklahoma City's recent Point-in-Time Count offers a detailed snapshot of the city's homeless population and the effectiveness of current strategies. The 1% decrease in overall homelessness is a significant milestone, especially given the upward trend in recent years.
The data reveals that while overall homelessness has decreased, a large percentage of unsheltered individuals are experiencing homelessness for the first time. This highlights the importance of early intervention programs to prevent short-term crises from becoming chronic issues.
Jamie Caves, strategy implementation manager for the Key to Home Partnership, emphasized the importance of early intervention and expanding housing pathways. The Partnership is focused on data-driven interventions to reduce the inflow of new people into the homeless response system.
Strategic priorities for the coming fiscal year include:
1. **Early Intervention:** Providing alternatives to emergency shelters to reduce the number of people entering the homeless system. This costs an average of $1,250 per person, making it a cost-effective solution. 2. **Expanding Housing Pathways:** Continuing the Encampment Rehousing Initiative and increasing focus on individuals cycling through emergency shelters. Launching a new housing and support program for people with complex behavioral health needs through a Complex Adaptive Response and Engagement (CARE) Team. 3. **Supporting Families:** Implementing a redesigned system to support families with children experiencing homelessness.
It's an annual one-day snapshot of people experiencing homelessness, required for communities receiving federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
It's a collective of over 50 local agencies, service providers, funders, and government partners working together to address homelessness in Oklahoma City.
What do you think about Oklahoma City's progress in addressing homelessness? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!
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