Beyond a Snapshot: Why the Point-in-Time Count Matters for Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City recently completed its annual Point-in-Time Count, a communitywide effort to better understand homelessness across the city on a single night. While results from this year’s count will not be available for several weeks as data is reviewed and verified, the effort plays an important role in shaping how the community responds to housing instability. 

Conducted each year in communities across the country, the Point-in-Time Count provides a snapshot of individuals experiencing homelessness, including those staying in shelters and those living unsheltered. In Oklahoma City, the count is coordinated through a network of community partners and volunteers, with a verification process designed to ensure accuracy and avoid duplicate counts. 

While the count captures just one moment in time, it remains a valuable tool for understanding trends, identifying gaps in services, and informing long-term strategies around housing and homelessness. 

“The Point in Time Count provides a critical snapshot of homelessness on one night in Oklahoma City,” said Jamie Caves, Strategy Implementation Manager for the Key to Home Partnership. “Data from the count helps us understand how homelessness affects specific populations, enabling us to design targeted interventions and services that most effectively meet the needs of our community. We use this, along with data gathered year-round, to guide strategies that create lasting solutions and move us closer to reducing homelessness in OKC.” 

As Oklahoma City continues to grow, conversations around affordable housing and homelessness remain central to building a resilient and inclusive community. Housing stability is closely tied to workforce participation, public services, and overall economic vitality, making it a shared concern across sectors. 

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber will continue this conversation during its first Chamber Forum of the year, focused on how the community is addressing homelessness through prevention, partnership, and practical solutions. 

The forum will explore homelessness as a complex issue shaped by a range of factors, including housing availability, economic pressures, mental health needs, and public safety considerations. Panelists will discuss how data, lived experience, and cross-sector collaboration help inform more effective responses, as well as how coordinated efforts can move the community beyond short-term crisis response toward prevention and long-term stability. 

The forum will take place Wednesday, February 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Panelists include Carrie Blumert of Mental Health Association Oklahoma, Jamie Caves of the City of Oklahoma City, Erin Goodin of City Rescue Mission, and Major Daniel Stewart of the Oklahoma City Police Department. 

Finalized results from this year’s Point-in-Time Count are expected to be released later this spring. In the meantime, the forum offers an opportunity for business and community leaders to engage in thoughtful dialogue and learn more about the collaborative efforts shaping Oklahoma City’s approach to homelessness. 

Tickets for the February Chamber Forum can be purchased here.