OKC has struggled with providing for homeless population's needs; more work required
Oklahoma City, similar to many other major metropolitan cities across the United States, has struggled with providing adequate housing and resources to those experiencing homelessness.
There are quite a few nonprofit and religious resources for the homeless and unsheltered, offering hot meals, temporary shelter, etc. However, there are still many people who can be seen in empty lots or along the roadside while driving through downtown Oklahoma City. Instead of being content with the harsh reality of homelessness, communities should be informed, and officials should work on policies to help those who are unsheltered.
The 2022 Point in Time survey, conducted by the city of Oklahoma City, the Coalition to End Poverty, and the Homeless Alliance, recorded 1,339 individuals experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma City on the night of the survey. Information from the survey characterized 35% of the homeless population as chronically homeless, 50% staying in a shelter, and 13% in transitional housing. Compared to the 2020 Point in Time survey, which showed 1,573 homeless individuals, homelessness numbers have decreased. Although numbers show fewer homelessindividuals, the issue of homelessness is still very relevant and persists as an issue within the Oklahoma City community.
In 2021, the city of Oklahoma City completed an Affordable Housing Study that illustrated the difficulty in finding affordable housing options. The study statistics showed that two people working full-time on Oklahoma’s minimum wage rate could not afford a two-bedroom rental home without spending more than 30% of their income on housing accommodations. Although local agencies issue housing vouchers and rental assistance to alleviate the cost of housing, many landlords are not willing to accept these special conditions. These statistics emphasize the needfor change in housing and wage rates, as well as people’s mindset concerning vulnerability and the risk of homelessness.
In November 2022, the Oklahoma City Council voted on three proposals that would have hurt homeless populations in finding and maintaining a temporary shelter. A summary of the proposed ordinances involved fining people trespassing or camping on private/public properties in city limits and using law enforcement action to ensure the restrictions would be carried out. The proposed ordinances would have effectively criminalized living on the streets, without providing an adequate and legal alternative. The proposals did not pass; however, the council meeting shows insight into the insensitivity and a push for placing undue hardship on vulnerable homeless populations.
Evaluating the information provided through the Affordable Housing Study, the statistics show that even people who have jobs and steady streams of income may struggle with affording adequate housing. Homeless populations are at even greater risk, especially if they are not able to secure a job or if they struggle with mental health or addiction. The city council's proposed ordinances show the negative mentality people may hold toward homeless populations without any regard for their safety and well-being. The public requires more education on these topics to boost communal initiatives and positive actions toward marginalized communities like the homeless, furthering efforts to end homelessness altogether. Although Oklahoma City has many great resources for those experiencing homelessness, more work is required to provide affordable housing, positive public mindset, and representative policy for vulnerable homeless populations.
Jill Johnston is an architectural graduate student at the University of Oklahoma.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: More work required to meet needs of vulnerable OKC homeless population
