Homeless vets increase

The number of homeless people tracked in the survey is generally going up, though the percentage of the homeless population reporting veteran status actually went down this year.

About 16 percent of the city's homeless population in 2007 were veterans, which would put the total number of homeless veterans in the city at about 300. In 2006, the survey found about 18 percent of the homeless population were veterans.

The 2007 survey found 1,930 homeless residents, up from 1,555 in 2006 and 1,482 in 2005. Officials said the higher count is due in part to more vigilant efforts to get an accurate number. The Homeless Alliance, The Coalition of the Needy and the city sponsor the survey.

For the first time, the groups used a helicopter this year to look for homeless people who wouldn't otherwise show up in the count.

The Homeless Alliance also helps put on Sooner Stand Down, an annual event which connects homeless and needy veterans to services such as social security, medical help and housing.

Participation in the event has increased each year, with about 300 attending the event last month.

Bryan Dean, Staff Writer