We recently had the privilege of meeting with Elizabeth Bliss-Burger from the Office of the Mayor of Oklahoma City and Erika Warren with Key to Home Partnership to learn about their inspiring work addressing homelessness across OKC. Their commitment to collaboration, faith-engagement, and long-term planning left a powerful impression — and affirmed the real difference that is possible when public, private, and community partners unite with a common purpose.
What Is Key to Home
Key to Home is a public-private collaboration of nearly 50 organizations, led by the City of Oklahoma City, dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness in OKC.
Their mission is to ensure that homelessness in Oklahoma City becomes rare, brief, and non-recurring by centering strategies on collaboration, data-driven decision making, and the voices and experiences of those affected.
How They’re Making a Difference — Together
Key to Home harnesses the strengths of government, nonprofits, private-sector donors, faith- and community-based organizations, and individuals to address different parts of the solution — from outreach to housing and wrap-around support.
A major initiative within the Partnership is the Encampment Rehousing Initiative — launched in 2023 — which works directly to transition individuals living unsheltered (including in encampments) into permanent housing. Through this effort, participating agencies rapidly house residents (often within 4–6 weeks) and provide case management and follow-up services.
The initiative has already successfully housed dozens of families and individuals — including clearing encampments under bridges and along the Oklahoma River — and continues working toward the Partnership’s goal of rehousing 500 unsheltered persons by the end of 2025.
Why Collaboration Matters
Key to Home’s approach brings together diverse stakeholders — the city, nonprofits, private donors, and faith- and community-based organizations — under a shared vision. This collaborative model allows for more flexibility, broader outreach, and filling gaps that governmental funding alone may not cover.
More than just providing housing, Key to Home recognizes that stability requires ongoing support. Whether through mental health assistance, case management, or community integration, their strategy focuses on restoring dignity, hope, and opportunity for people who have experienced homelessness.
A Shared Vision — And an Invitation
Our conversation with Elizabeth and Erika reaffirmed the belief that ending homelessness isn’t just about shelter — it’s about community, compassion, and commitment.
Oklahoma City community members, faith- and civic organizations, local businesses, and individuals are invited to learn more, get involved, and support this vital work. Together, we can help build cities where everyone has a place to call home, safety, and opportunity to thrive.
To learn more — or to find out how to get involved — visit Key to Home Partnership:
https://www.okc.gov/Government/Administration/Key-to-Home-Partnership
