OKC sees first decline in homelessness since 2022

Oklahoma City recorded a slight decrease in homelessness in 2026, marking the first year-over-year decline the community has seen since 2022, according to newly released data from the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count.

The 2026 count recorded 1,867 people experiencing homelessness on Jan. 23, a 1% decrease from 2025. The annual count is required for communities that receive federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and serves as a snapshot of people staying in emergency shelters, transitional housing or unsheltered locations not meant for human habitation.

Local leaders say the data reflects progress from coordinated community efforts while also underscoring the need for continued investment and long-term solutions.

“Reversing the upward trendline in overall homelessness that Oklahoma City has seen for years is a significant achievement for our community, for the service providers doing the work on the ground, and for the courageous people and families who have transformed their lives,” said Jamie Caves, strategy implementation manager for the Key to Home Partnership.

One of the most notable findings from this year’s data is the continued decline in unsheltered homelessness. In 2026, unsheltered individuals represented 22% of all people experiencing homelessness, down from 35% in 2022. Chronic and unsheltered homelessness has also dropped 42% since 2022.

Additional findings from the 2026 PIT Count include:

• 6% were families with children
• 22% were seniors aged 55 and older
• 10% were unaccompanied youth
• 6% were veterans
• 20% reported a severe mental illness

Looking ahead, the Key to Home Partnership plans to focus on reducing the number of people entering the homeless response system through early intervention strategies, expanded housing pathways and new support programs for people with complex behavioral health needs.

The Key to Home Partnership is made up of more than 50 local agencies, service providers, funders and government partners working together to address homelessness in Oklahoma City through coordinated, data-driven strategies.