In the early hours of January 23, volunteers braved the cold streets of Norman, Oklahoma, conducting the annual Point in Time (PIT) count. These volunteers do more than just count the homeless—they also help register them into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), linking them with caseworkers who can provide future support.
This count, done simultaneously in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Lawton, and Norman, revealed a troubling trend. Recent data showed a 25% increase in homelessness from 2023 to 2024, signaling a worsening crisis. While various coalitions have made strides in rehousing individuals, rising rents, shortages in affordable housing, and an uptick in evictions are making it difficult to reverse the trend. For many, this year’s PIT count does not inspire optimism.
However, some Oklahoma lawmakers have put forth proposed legislation that could make life even harder for the over 4,000 Oklahomans currently experiencing homelessness in their communities. Instead of addressing the root causes of homelessness, these lawmakers are introducing bills that focus on penalizing the homeless themselves.
Expanding the State’s Camping Ban: A Controversial Proposal
One such bill, HB 1764, introduced by Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, aims to expand the state’s existing anti-camping law. Initially passed in 2024, the law prohibited camping on state-owned properties. If HB 1764 passes, the camping ban will be extended to include county and city-owned lands.
The consequences for violating this expanded ban would be harsh: homeless individuals caught camping on these properties could face a $50 fine or up to 15 days in jail. The law echoes policies promoted by The Cicero Institute, a conservative think tank that has pushed for similar laws in states like Oklahoma.
The Cicero Institute’s website boasts of its success in influencing lawmakers in Oklahoma, describing their efforts as a way to “provide a path forward to positive change.” They argue that “camping restrictions” offer a better solution than what they consider “failed federal Housing First policies.”
Senate Bill 484: A Bill with National Attention
Meanwhile, Senate Bill 484, introduced by Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman, has gained national attention and stirred controversy within Oklahoma. The bill proposes to stop cities with populations under 300,000 from using municipal funds to support homeless services, including emergency shelters and food banks.
With only two cities in Oklahoma—Oklahoma City and Tulsa—falling into this category, Standridge’s bill directly targets Norman, where the local shelter, A Friend’s House, receives substantial city funding. Though Standridge clarified that the bill would not affect the work of churches and nonprofits, it remains unclear how this bill will impact local homeless services in Norman.
The bill’s introduction came after a tense meeting in which Standridge referred to Norman’s approach to homelessness as a “dumpster fire.” She criticized her city for allowing homelessness to persist in public spaces, even going so far as to describe how the issue had become a point of contention at local libraries.
At Norman Public Library West, staff reported a growing number of patrons appearing homeless, some with bundles of personal belongings. Despite this, library staff emphasized their commitment to serving everyone equally, saying, “We don’t have any policy against homeless people.”
City Care Faces Uncertainty: The Future of A Friend’s House
Another key issue in Norman’s ongoing battle with homelessness is the uncertain future of A Friend’s House, the city’s largest shelter. Recently, City Care, a nonprofit organization, signed a six-month lease to manage the facility, which houses 52 beds. However, without continued city funding, the shelter would lose 75% of its capacity, a disastrous blow for the community.
Despite ongoing efforts by nonprofits to address homelessness, local leaders, including Norman Mayor Larry Heikkila, have voiced support for Standridge’s bill, arguing that the city can no longer afford to fund homeless services. At a recent mayoral debate, Heikkila expressed his frustration, while his opponents, Stephen Tyler Holman and Riley Mulinix, opposed the bill, with Mulinix calling it “heartless” and Holman criticizing state interference in local matters.
A Struggle for Resources
Norman’s social service nonprofits are underfunded and understaffed, making it increasingly difficult for them to meet the demand for homeless services. Heidi Smith, the director of Thunderbird Clubhouse, emphasized that while many churches and nonprofits in the area do their best, their resources are simply too limited to effectively tackle the growing homelessness crisis.
The debate surrounding proposed legislation continues to divide the state. While some lawmakers push for policies that criminalize homelessness, others argue for more compassionate solutions that address the systemic issues contributing to homelessness. Only time will tell which path Oklahoma will take in confronting this ever-growing issue.
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