2025 Point-in-Time Count shows slower increase in homelessness

The Key to Home Partnership released data from the 2025 Point-in-Time Count, showing a 2.4% increase in homelessness in Oklahoma City—a rise that is significantly smaller than the 28% increase reported from 2023 to 2024. This difference suggests recent strategies may be helping slow the rate of growth. 

The annual count took place Jan. 23, and over 100 volunteers canvassed shelters, encampments and day centers across the city to collect data on residents experiencing homelessness. Volunteers also offered referrals to services. 

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires the count take place every other year for federal funding, but OKC completes it annually to track trends and improve local response. 

Key findings: 

• Total count: 1,882 
• Sheltered: 1,215 
• Unsheltered: 421 
• Transitional housing: 246 
• Veterans: 128 
• Families: 114 
• Chronic: 433 
• Parenting youth: 9 
• Unaccompanied youth: 163 

The most significant change was a 33% drop in chronic, unsheltered homelessness compared to 2024. Since 2023, this population has decreased by 43%. Officials credit targeted housing programs and better coordination among service providers. 

“The data confirms that our investments are working,” said Assistant City Manager Aubrey McDermid. “Through the Key to Home Partnership and the Encampment Rehousing Initiative, we are seeing real, measurable outcomes—especially among our most vulnerable residents. This kind of progress shows what’s possible when we align resources and coordinate our strategy.” 

The Key to Home Partnership launched in April 2023 to address homelessness in OKC. It includes more than 50 public and private organizations working together to reduce homelessness while improving the system’s overall efficiency. 

The partnership has focused on expanding pathways to housing for those experiencing unsheltered homelessness, strengthening data quality and collaborating to align efforts and resources in new ways. This collective approach has helped curb the rapid rise seen in prior years. While total homelessness has not declined, officials point to progress in areas receiving resources. 

“We haven’t yet seen a reduction in the overall number of unhoused people in our community, but we are seeing positive trends where targeted strategies and dedicated funding have been focused,” said Jamie Caves, strategy implementation manager for the Key to Home Partnership. “This progress reinforces that strategic investments and coordinated efforts are making an impact. We are committed to building on this momentum to make homelessness in Oklahoma City rare, brief and non-recurring.” 

The Key to Home Partnership will continue strategies that reduce chronic, unsheltered homelessness, add new efforts to prevent people from becoming homeless and expand housing options to help people move out of homelessness more quickly. 

The 2025 Point-in-Time Count report and details on the Key to Home Partnership’s strategic framework are available at keytohomeokc.org.