Homelessness: By the Numbers
One week from today, partner agency staff across Oklahoma City – including MHAOK – will gather at 3:30 a.m., divide into groups of six and head out into hidden corners of the city to count as many people experiencing homelessness as we can find. The same count will take place in Tulsa not long after. This Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is part of federal government grant compliance, and the reality is that it is only a snapshot of the issue. Those of us who are in this work everyday use the term “countable people” because we know – and the Government Accountability office reports – that the final survey number is likely much lower than the true number of folks who don’t have the stability of a home.
Either way, year after year, the number keeps rising.
Last month, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released their national report on homelessness, and homelessness across the state of Oklahoma increased by 17%. The dire lack of affordable housing, ongoing financial instability stemming (still) from the pandemic have perpetuated the homelessness crisis; and this crisis affects both the individuals experiencing it and the broader community members, alike, which is why the presence of shelters and outreach teams is essential for everyone – not just those without an address.
The Function of Shelters and Outreach Teams
Shelters are more than just a warm space for people to go. They are staffed with peers who have, at one time, been on the streets themselves and know the way out. They provide case management services and connect individuals-in-need to housing, which allows them to stabilize and address mental health issues or substance use and find gainful employment. Outreach teams complement these efforts by literally meeting people where they are – under bridges, in encampments, in abandoned buildings or on the street corners – to build trust and letting individuals in need know that there are shelters and programs that can help them rebuild their lives.
Legislation that endeavors to remove these services is also endeavoring to harm Oklahomans – all Oklahomans.
Cities in Oklahoma need more shelters and outreach programs, not fewer. The homeless population is growing, and it is a problem that expands beyond that of visibility.
Mental Health and Homelessness: A Vicious Cycle
One of the most severe consequences of homelessness is its impact on mental health. Individuals experiencing homelessness often face a constant barrage of stressors, including fear, trauma, social isolation and the uncertainty of their future. These pressures can lead to or exacerbate mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, roughly 25% of people experiencing homelessness in the U.S. live with serious mental illness. In Oklahoma, this figure mirrors national trends, with a significant portion of the homeless population in the state struggling with untreated mental health conditions.
The lack of access to mental health care compounds these issues. Shelters and outreach teams play a crucial role in this population accessing mental health screenings, counseling and treatment program referrals. Without these services, individuals suffering from mental health issues while experiencing homelessness are left vulnerable to worsening conditions, including hospitalization, incarceration and continued instability. In cities like Tulsa, outreach teams work directly with this demographic, offering resources and connecting them to local providers for mental/behavioral health care, substance use treatment and other necessary services. These programs help to mitigate more severe outcomes and give individuals a chance to regain stability.
The Economic and Social Cost of Homelessness
Homelessness is not only a personal tragedy—it is a societal issue with significant economic consequences. The cost of homelessness is borne by the community in healthcare, law enforcement, emergency services and public assistance. According to a 2018 report by the Oklahoma Policy Institute, the cost of homelessness to the state averages around $10,000 per person annually. This includes expenses related to emergency room visits, police intervention, public health services and the strain on local social service programs. Bear in mind that this $10,000 figure is now seven years old – before the pandemic and supply chain issues drastically increased the cost of everything from housing to health care.
When outreach teams and shelters are in place, these costs can be significantly reduced. For instance, individuals who have access to stable housing and regular healthcare are less likely to require emergency services or frequent police intervention. Shelters and outreach programs provide preventive care that reduces the need for costly hospitalizations and interactions with law enforcement. Data from cities that have invested in supportive housing programs show that the overall cost to the community is lower when individuals have access to shelter, healthcare, and social services that help them regain independence.
Furthermore, the negative effects of homelessness on the broader community are inarguable. Visible homelessness can drive away potential businesses, tourists and residents, and it can reduce property values in affected areas. The presence of homeless encampments and the lack of basic sanitation can also affect the quality of life for residents. This creates a cycle of decline that harms both the homeless population and the surrounding community.
The Dangers of Legislation That Restricts Services
In recent years, some Oklahoma cities have passed or considered legislation aimed at restricting services for homeless individuals. These laws often target organizations that provide essential services, such as food distribution, emergency shelters, and outreach programs. Some ordinances make it illegal for churches and nonprofits to offer services like shelter or food in public spaces. The intention behind such legislation is often to “clean up” public spaces and prevent what is perceived as a “blight” on the community. However, the practical effect of these policies is to exacerbate the problem of homelessness, not solve it.
Research shows that when shelters and outreach programs are restricted, homelessness becomes more visible and more severe. In 2022, a study by the National Alliance to End Homelessness found that cities that have passed “anti-camping” laws or limited shelter access have seen increased rates of unsheltered homelessness, as well as worsening health and safety outcomes for the homeless population. For example, when shelters are forced to close or reduce their capacity, individuals are left with fewer options for safe housing. This often leads to individuals being pushed into more dangerous or unstable living conditions, which can further deteriorate their mental health and physical well-being, as well as exacerbate substance use.
Also, such restrictive legislation often results in an increase in the criminalization of homelessness. Just last year, Oklahoma’s governor signed a bill that makes “unauthorized camping” on public lands a misdemeanor punishable by fines (which are nearly always unpayable by this population) or jail time. This not only strains the local legal system but also exacerbates the cycle of poverty and homelessness. A 2021 study from the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty found that cities with more restrictive laws saw an increase in the number of homeless individuals arrested, many of whom were unable to afford bail or legal representation.
Homelessness is not pretty, but criminalizing it is not the way to put it out of sight. Solving it is.
The Path Forward: Expanding Services, Not Restricting Them
The data is clear: shelters and outreach programs are essential in combating homelessness in Oklahoma cities. These services provide immediate relief and are critical to breaking the cycle of homelessness by offering individuals access to housing, mental and physical health care, substance use treatment and employment support. Restricting or criminalizing services for the homeless only makes the problem worse, leading to greater harm for individuals and the community.
Oklahoma must invest in expanding services that support the homeless population, rather than passing legislation that limits their access to help. This includes increasing funding for shelters, supporting outreach teams and ensuring that mental health care and substance abuse treatment are available to those in need. By providing these resources, Oklahoma can reduce the long-term costs of homelessness, improve public safety and help individuals transition out of homelessness and into stable living for good. Only through a compassionate, data-driven approach can the state address homelessness in a way that benefits everyone.