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Homeless in Oklahoma
1). Homelessness in Oklahoma: An Analytical Case StudyHomelessness is an urgent and complex issue that affects millions across the United States, and Oklahoma is no exception. The state has witnessed a troubling increase in its homeless population in recent years, prompting a call for greater public awareness and intervention. By delving into the factors driving homelessness in Oklahoma, we can identify solutions that not only alleviate the immediate suffering but also tackle the systemic issues underpinning the crisis.2).Understanding the LandscapeOklahoma’s homeless population has surged in the past decade, with a reported 3,801 individuals experiencing homelessness in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Among these, nearly 700 were unsheltered, living on the streets, in vehicles, or in abandoned buildings. While urban areas such as Oklahoma City and Tulsa bear the brunt of this crisis, rural communities also struggle with limited resources and support systems.3). Factors Contributing to HomelessnessThe reasons behind homelessness in Oklahoma are varied and multifaceted. Economic instability is a significant contributor; the state has consistently faced high poverty rates, with 16% of Oklahomans living below the federal poverty line. Unaffordable housing, exacerbated by the increasing cost of living, has pushed low-income families into precarious situations. The lack of affordable housing units has created a housing crisis, where available rent often exceeds a third of the household income, a standard threshold for housing affordability.Mental health and addiction issues further complicate the situation, with many experiencing barriers to accessing essential services. A lack of adequate mental health care and addiction rehabilitation facilities makes it difficult for individuals to regain stability. Moreover, systemic issues such as insufficient funding for social services often leave many without the necessary support. 3). Case Study: The Journey of John DoeTo better understand the implications of these factors, consider the case of John Doe, a 38-year-old veteran who fell into homelessness after a series of unfortunate events. John began his journey suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which led to his struggles with employment. After losing his job, he was unable to maintain rent on his apartment. With limited resources, John found himself on the streets of downtown Oklahoma City.John’s experience reflects the challenges faced by many individuals in similar circumstances. Every night, he faced instability, uncertainty, and the risk of violence. His health deteriorated, both physically and mentally, and his access to food and hygiene suffered drastically. Despite his efforts to reconnect with veterans’ support services, systemic barriers—such as long wait times for mental health counseling—extended his time on the streets.After several months, John was fortunate enough to discover a local nonprofit that supported veterans. This organization provided him with temporary housing, resources for mental health care, and job training. John’s journey exemplifies the impact that targeted support can have on individuals facing homelessness.5). Case Study: G, the ex fellon.As mental health and addiction play major role with concerns to homelessness, so to, does the incarceration factor....There is a saying, "Todays inmates are tomorrows neighbors." Meaning that, the same people, this society, throws in jail for crazy amounts of years will one day come home and live amongst us. Will he/she be unstable or will they function? That is the question.G, grew up rough. The streets was his life. Joining a gang at 13, he quickly began to commit offences that landed him in one juvenile facility after another, until eventually he turned 18 and was sentenced to a total of 67 and 1/2 years. Of which he spent 20+ years behind bars. At the age of 42, he came home self educated and,no thinks to the state, rehabilitated. Only to face joblessness, homelessness and a slip back into addiction. If not for his determination to do right and remain free, he would have easily slipped back into the debauchery that had landed him in one lock up facility after another. There is no rehabilitation in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections."Oklahoma has an incarceration rate of 905 per 100,000 people (including prisons, jails, immigration detention, and juvenile justice facilities), meaning that it locks up a higher percentage of its people than any democratic country on earth. Read on to learn more about who is incarcerated in Oklahoma and why.34,000 people from Oklahoma are behind barsPie chart showing that 43,000 Oklahoma residents are locked up in federal prisons, state prisons, local jails and other types of facilitiesAdditionally, the number of people impacted by county and city jails in Oklahoma is much larger than the graph above would suggest, because people cycle through local jails relatively quickly. Each year, at least 96,000 different people are booked into local jails in Oklahoma.Rates of imprisonment have grown dramatically in the last 40 yearsgraph showing the number of people in state prison and local jails per 100,000 residents in Oklahoma from 1978 to 2019 Also see these Oklahoma graphs:total numbers rather than rates.Women’s prisons: Incarceration Rates | Total PopulationMen’s prisons: Incarceration Rates | Total PopulationGraph showing the number of people in Oklahoma jails who were convicted and the number who were unconvicted, for the years 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1999, 2005, 2013, and 2019.Today, Oklahoma’s incarceration rates stand out internationallygraphic comparing the incarceration rates of the founding NATO members with the incarceration rates of the United States and the state of Oklahoma. The incarceration rate of 608 per 100,000 for the United States and 905 for Oklahoma is much higher than any of the founding NATO membersIn the U.S., incarceration extends beyond prisons and local jails to include other systems of confinement. The U.S. and state incarceration rates in this graph include people held by these other parts of the justice system, so they may be slightly higher than the commonly reported incarceration rates that only include prisons and jails. Details on the data are available in States of Incarceration: The Global Context. We also have a version of this graph focusing on the incarceration of women.People of color are overrepresented in prisons and jails2021 graph showing incarceration rates per 100,000 people of various racial and ethnic groups in Oklahomaracial and ethnic disparities between the prison/jail and general population in OK as of 2021Oklahoma's criminal justice system is more than just its prisons and jailsPie chart showing that 78,000 Oklahoma residents are in various types of correctional facilities or under criminal justice supervision on probation or parole See detailed data on incarceration and supervision numbers and rates by state.Reports and briefings about Oklahoma's criminal legal system:Filter to show Most recentWith an incarceration rate of 905 per 100,000 residents, Oklahoma locks up a higher percentage of its people than any democratic country on earth.After the Dobbs’ decision, striking down Roe v. Wade, Oklahoma totally banned abortion, putting access to the service effectively out of reach for the 5,424 women on probation or parole in the state who also face travel restrictions.Prisons in Oklahoma force incarcerated people and their families — some of the most vulnerable members of society — to subsidize mass incarceration.75% of people in Oklahoma jails have not been convicted of a crime, meaning they're legally innocent. There are simple steps the state can take to reduce this number. Why isn't it?Oklahoma releases roughly 160,559 men and 56,316 women from its prisons and jails each year. What is it doing to support them upon reentry?Oklahoma is home to one of the worst prison gerrymanders in the nation.People on parole in Oklahoma can be sent back to prison for "associating" with anyone who has a felony or misdemeanor conviction — even loved ones who are trying to support themBlack people in Oklahoma are incarcerated at a rate 5 times higher than white people.Oklahoma's choice to criminalize "failure to appear" may be hurting public safetyThe cost of incarcerating older people is incredibly high, and their risk of reincarceration is incredibly low, yet 13% of people in Oklahoma prisons are over the age of 55. Why is the state keeping so many older people locked up?" Section on incarceration quoted from: https://www.prisonpolicy.org/profiles/OK.htmlRecommended Reading:Dive deep into the lives and experiences of people in prisonThe "whole pie": Where people are locked up and whyIncarceration rates for 50 states and 170 countriesWho profits and who pays in the U.S. criminal justice system?EventsAugust 14, 2024:Many jails nationwide are now video-visit only, meaning there are no longer in-person visits allowed between incarcerated people and their loved ones, including children. Communications Strategist Wanda Bertram will be a panelist on a webinar hosted by the Center for Just Journalism to discuss the impact of these bans and how journalists can cover them. The increase in homelessness rates in Oklahoma represents a pressing public health crisis that demands immediate action. To make meaningful progress, several steps must be taken: 1. Increased Funding for Affordable Housing**: State and federal governments should prioritize funding for the construction of affordable housing units. By providing incentives for developers to build low-income housing, Oklahoma can ease the burden on individuals and families struggling to find stable living arrangements.2. Enhanced Support Services**: Homelessness is not simply about lack of housing; it is often intertwined with mental health and addiction issues. Investing in comprehensive support services that include mental health care, addiction treatment, job training, and life skills development will enable individuals to transition out of homelessness.3. Community Awareness and Engagement**: Educating the public about the complexities of homelessness fosters understanding and support for those affected. Community organizations can facilitate forums and workshops to discuss local homelessness initiatives, encouraging residents to get involved in their solutions.4. Collaboration Across Sectors**: Establishing partnerships among government agencies, nonprofits, and private sectors leads to a more robust and coordinated response to homelessness. By pooling resources and expertise, collaborative efforts can more effectively address the multifaceted nature of the crisis. A Call to ActionAddressing homelessness in Oklahoma requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society. As a member of the community, you can play a vital role in this cause. Whether it’s volunteering with local shelters, advocating for policy changes, or simply raising awareness about homelessness, every action counts. When we work together, individual stories like that of John Doe can transform from stories of hardship into tales of hope and resilience. We must aim for a state where everyone has a place to call home and the resources they need to thrive.By Graylon Abukhadir Mayberryمجاهد عبد الواحد "Surely, with every difficulty, there is relief "
