Oklahoma County continues to see a high number of eviction filings, putting thousands of households at risk of losing their homes. New data from the first nine months of 2026 reveals how quickly an eviction can escalate, how little past-due rent may trigger an eviction filing, and how barriers to legal representation can make it
Oklahoma County Eviction Data: Quarterly Update Read More »
For Oklahomans who care about improving outcomes for our neighbors, especially those experiencing homelessness or mental illness, recent news has been difficult to hear. Governor Stitt’s Operation SAFE continues to displace people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, raising concerns about whether people are being connected to the services and housing they need. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Department of
When Should You Contact Your Legislators? Early & Often. Read More »
Last week, Oklahoma lawmakers gathered at the State Capitol to explore the shortage of affordable housing. The need is significant. According to Oklahoma Policy Institute, Oklahoma is short more than 84,000 rental homes for extremely low-income households. Only 38 affordable and available homes exist for every 100 extremely low-income renter households. The interim study, authored
Housing Stability Cannot Be Addressed Through Homeownership Alone Read More »
Through a partnership with Dr. Jacob Dearmon and the Ronnie K. Irani Center for Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence at Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business, Mental Health Association Oklahoma has compiled and analyzed eviction data across Oklahoma County throughout 2025. In a state where publicly accessible data on eviction filings, outcomes, and patterns
Eviction in Oklahoma County: What the 2025 Data Reveals Read More »
There is much discussion at the State Capitol this session about education, both student attendance and literacy outcomes. These are critical conversations, as Oklahoma is currently ranked 50th in the nation in education. But a critical factor is keeping students from attending school and affecting their ability to concentrate and learn while they are there—housing
Every year, the Oklahoma State Legislature makes decisions that directly affect our neighbors and communities—decisions about landlord and tenant laws, funding for mental health services, how Oklahoma responds to homelessness, and more. These decisions are often complex and are sometimes made with limited information. Unlike many other states, Oklahoma does not include public testimony as
Your Voice Matters: Advocacy Training for Individuals with Lived Experience Read More »
When you meet Elio, the first thing you notice is his spark—his enthusiasm, optimism, and endless curiosity. But that light hasn’t always been so bright. Elio grew up in an abusive home, where he and his younger sister endured years of physical and emotional harm. When Elio was nine, they moved in with their father
Meet Elio: A Story of Courage, Resilience, and Joy Read More »
Sitting outside an Oklahoma County courtroom in mid-November, two mothers were on the brink of losing everything. They were roommates, raising seven children between them. A delay in a disability payment had caused them to fall behind on rent—an issue made far worse by the government shutdown. The support they relied on wasn’t there. Then,
New Data Shows Government Shutdown and SNAP Loss Drove Evictions in Oklahoma County Read More »
As we conclude our Early and Often series, we’re focusing on how your voice can ensure that Oklahomans experiencing homelessness have access to consistent, compassionate, and effective services that truly build stability, health, and hope. Misinformation about homelessness, and even about those working every day to address it, is spreading quickly. As state legislators prepare
Be Heard: Urge Lawmakers to Protect Proven Solutions for Homelessness Read More »
Oklahoma is at a critical crossroads. Across the state, we face a shortage of nearly 85,000 affordable and available rental homes for extremely low-income renters. At the same time, Oklahoma has one of the highest eviction rates in the nation. Together, these two realities create a volatile situation where too many families struggle to find
Why Oklahoma’s Housing Crisis Needs Your Voice Read More »
