New Report Shows Tulsa Homelessness Increased 3 Percent

A new report is giving a better idea of what homelessness looks like in Tulsa.

Housing Solutions Tulsa does a "point-in-time" count every year. The count is completed on one day during the last 10 days in January using a combination of survey responses and Homeless Management Information System data.

This year's survey shows homelessness from last January to this January increased 3-percent. Housing Solutions said the increase is connected to more beds opening in shelters and transitional houses.

Housing Solutions surveyed close to 1,100 people.

1. 19 percent said they have full-time, part-time of seasonal jobs.
2. 51 percent are from Tulsa County.
3. 47 percent said they have a mental health condition.
4. 27 percent reported substance abuse challenges.
5. 39 percent said they've survived a domestic violence situation.
6. 33 percent said they're homeless because of domestic violence.

Housing Solutions was formed to make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring.

The group said because the survey was conducted before COVID-19 really hit the U.S., the full scope of how the virus is affecting homelessness isn't clear yet. But Housing Solutions said the system is being heavily impacted. It said many groups are working to make sure those living on the streets have a safe place to go during the pandemic.

You can take a look at the full survey results here.