Despite growing homelessness, Oklahoma lawmakers look to punitive measures

In the wee hours of Jan. 23, volunteers took to the frigid streets to find, count and survey people sleeping unsheltered in Norman. These volunteers not only count the homeless, but also register them into the Homeless Management Information System to connect them with case workers for future assistance.

The Point in Time counts were performed simultaneously in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Lawton and Norman. [Volunteers also conducted the count in Sallisaw.]

Recent Point in Time counts revealed a 25% in...