Cleveland County Continuum of Care released its preliminary annual point-in-time count Tuesday, but there are some questions about the survey’s accuracy.
According to the count, the number of people experiencing homelessness is less than previous years, but Heidi Smith, Cleveland County Continuum of Care organizer, told OU Daily the decrease could be due to extreme winter weather during the time of the count.
The point-in-time count is used to assess the need for homeless shelters and resources through a countywide survey of the number and demographics of homeless individuals in the area. The survey is required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development for cities that receive federal funding for homeless services.
Norman and the Cleveland County Continuum of Care are still working on the final count for 2026, which will be released after organizers complete a detailed verification process.
The survey was performed on Jan. 23, the day before Norman experienced extreme winter weather including sub-freezing temperatures, snow and sleet.
Prior to the night of the storm, 165 people experiencing homelessness were counted, with 73 unsheltered and 92 sheltered. This is 23.6% less than last year’s 216 individuals, and 25% less than 2024’s count.
The night of Jan. 23, 238 individuals were in need of emergency shelter, including a warming station and hotel rooms designated for people with pets. The number of people needing shelter was 10% more than 2025’s point-in-time numbers.
According to Smith, the Continuum of Care was unable to conduct as many surveys as usual due to the inclement weather. Smith said the initial numbers this year may be less accurate compared to previous years. Smith said that emergency shelter counts may be more accurate.
“I think that 238 number is way, way closer to what the actual number of unsheltered homelessness is in Norman,” Smith said. “I think that number gives us a really good perspective on the need for shelter.”
According to the count, issues like chronic homelessness and veteran homelessness have decreased, with 25.5% less people self-identifying as chronically homeless and half as many unhoused veterans compared to last year. Of the people surveyed, only three reported first-time homelessness, as opposed to 15 in 2025.
Norman services
During the storm, City Care, Salvation Army and the Women’s Resource Center were open 24 hours, with Food and Shelter opening its dining halls to unhoused individuals throughout the weekend, according to Smith.
Norman City Council proposed a new permanent homeless shelter and resource center, which will be on the April 7 ballot. The shelter would be located on Reed Avenue, adjacent to Food and Shelter, which was purchased by the city in November.
Smith spoke about the shelter’s potential contribution to Norman’s unhoused population.
“It would double (shelter) capacity and I think it's something we desperately need in our community,” Smith said.
Along with an increased capacity, the shelter would offer housing for pets, which Smith said would be helpful, since many unhoused individuals refuse shelter due to pet restrictions. The new shelter also offers medical respite beds for short-term care.
This story was edited by Macey Thaxton, Natalie Armour, Madisson Cameron and Audrey McClour. Gretchen Schultz and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
