Oklahoma City’s recently released 2024 Point In Time Count unveils a stark reality: homelessness is escalating in the city. Meghan Mueller, CEO of the OKC Homeless Alliance, affirmed, What we hear from the public is that there’s a perception that homelessness is on the rise, a sentiment validated by the latest figures. The count delineates that 1,838 individuals are experiencing homelessness, marking an unsettling increase of 402 people compared to the previous year’s count.

Insights from the CEO

Meghan Mueller emphasizes the significance of this count, particularly as it’s the first conducted since the expiration of COVID-era funds. She explains, This was really the first count we’ve done since the expiration of COVID era funds, so we were really anticipating this count coming out, because we really felt like it would reveal a lot about the current state of homelessness in our community. Mueller acknowledges the anticipation surrounding the count’s revelations given the cessation of pandemic-related aid.

Demographic Breakdown

The count offers a demographic breakdown of the homeless population, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of homelessness in Oklahoma City. Among the 1,800 individuals surveyed, 7% are veterans, 17% are families with children, 9% are unaccompanied youth aged 24 or younger, and 24% are unsheltered. Notably, Mueller highlights a glimmer of hope amidst these statistics, noting a decline in chronic unsheltered homelessness—a testament to focused resource allocation.

Factors Contributing to Homelessness

While acknowledging progress, Mueller underscores the influence of broader societal challenges exacerbating homelessness. She cites various factors such as the exhaustion of pandemic-era funds, soaring inflation rates, and escalating eviction numbers as key contributors to the burgeoning crisis. Mueller views these challenges as opportunities to intervene proactively, advocating for the identification of familial and natural support systems to mitigate homelessness.

A Call to Action

Armed with more accurate data, Mueller emphasizes the necessity for a strategic and targeted approach to combat homelessness effectively. She asserts, Now that we have more accurate data to go by, we have a better idea of what we need to do to be more effective in addressing homelessness. This call to action underscores the urgency of collaborative efforts in addressing the multifaceted issue of homelessness in Oklahoma City.

For detailed insights, the full report can be accessed here.

Conclusion: Addressing Homelessness Through Collaboration

As Oklahoma City grapples with a surge in homelessness, the 2024 Point In Time Count serves as a sobering reminder of the pressing need for collective action. By leveraging data-driven insights and fostering partnerships across sectors, the city can forge a path towards sustainable solutions that uphold the dignity and well-being of its most vulnerable residents.

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