The Key to Home Initiative Is Showing Early Success — Even as Federal Policy Shifts Away from Housing Solutions Toward Criminalization
Oklahoma City is piloting a new homelessness diversion program designed to help people access stable housing instead of emergency shelters.
The program, known as Key to Home Diversion and Rapid Exit program, is a joint venture between the city and Catholic Charities. It uses a Housing First approach to connect people accessing the city’s City Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, and City Care shelters with housing options instead of shelter beds, according to a report from local NPR affiliate KOSU.
The diversion pilot was launched at a time when homelessness is growing across the midwestern city and around the nation. More than 1,800 people were homeless in OKC last year, according to the 2025 Point-in-Time Count. That represents a 2.4% increase from the previous year. Nearly one-quarter of people who are homeless in OKC are unsheltered…