Mythbusters about Homelessness in Oklahoma City

Author:
October 06, 2024
Dear St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, 

A core tenant of our work centers around the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home. But too often, the realities of homelessness are misunderstood, and these misconceptions can stand in the way of true relationship, and meaningful change. 

As someone who deeply cares about the work we do, I want to share the truth behind five common myths surrounding homelessness we occasionally hear from neighbors unfamiliar with our work. Your advocacy and investment help us to shed light on these misconceptions, and offer folks a different perspective, based on our day to day experiences with our shelter guests and residents. 

Myth 1: “People experiencing homelessness just need to get a job.”
Truth: Many of those we serve at the Night Shelter are employed. The reality is that low wages, high rent, and rising costs can keep people trapped in a cycle where affording stable housing remains out of reach, even with a paycheck. The National Low Income Housing Coalition reported that in Oklahoma, working at minimum wage, $7.25 per hour, would require an individual to work 88 hours per week to afford a modest 1-bedroom rental home at Fair Market Rent.

Myth 2: “Homelessness is a choice.”
Truth: I, personally,  have never met someone who chose the instability and insecurity of not knowing where they’ll sleep. Trauma, unexpected health issues, or the loss of a support system can quickly lead to homelessness. It’s not about choice—it’s about survival.

Myth 3: “Homelessness only happens to certain kinds of people.”
Truth: Homelessness doesn’t discriminate. It impacts people from all walks of life—veterans, parents, teenagers, those with college degrees, and more. It could happen to anyone under the right circumstances. Demographics from the 2024 Point in Time Count can be found here.

Myth 4: “People experiencing homelessness are dangerous.”
Truth: This harmful stereotype fuels fear and stigma. In reality, the vast majority of individuals experiencing homelessness are not violent, and they are more often victims of crime than perpetrators. A study from the Urban Institute highlights that while people experiencing homelessness are disproportionately arrested for minor offenses such as loitering and trespassing, they are not more likely to commit violent crimes than the general population. The frequent interactions with the justice system often stem from being unsheltered and the lack of housing, which pushes people into the homelessness-jail cycle, where they face criminalization for public nuisance crimes that would not occur if they had stable housing.

Myth 5: “People experiencing homelessness don't want help.”
Truth: The majority of those we serve are looking for exactly what you’re helping us offer—a path forward, a community, and most importantly, a home. It's trust and relationship-building that allows us to walk with them on this journey. We’ve had the honor of collaborating with The City of Oklahoma City on the Key To Home Initiative for the last year. The goal of the initiative is to connect 500 people living in encampments in our city to housing in a 24-month period. At the one-year mark, 91% who had been offered housing, accepted. 

Your generosity is breaking down these myths and opening doors. You are a part of the story that brings margin back to those who need it most. We recently captured four stories during our Odyssey Project event of the good work that’s happening in our community, each one focusing on individuals doing what they can, right where they are. You can watch this short film below.

Thank you for believing in the inherent value of every person—no matter their circumstances. 

Warmly,
Staci Sanger
Chief Development Officer
City Care

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