A system built on
Housing First.
Homeward Bound NORMAN is not a single shelter or service. It is a countywide coordination system — bringing together faith communities, government, businesses, nonprofits, and residents to make homelessness a solvable, time-limited crisis rather than a permanent condition.
Housing First means we put people in stable housing first — then provide wraparound services. Every evidence-based study confirms: it works faster, costs less, and produces lasting outcomes.
Housing First
Stable housing is the foundation — not the reward. We connect people with homes immediately, then provide the support services needed to keep them there.
Coordinated Entry
A unified system ensures no one slips through the cracks. Every provider, every resource, every client is tracked and coordinated through a single shared platform.
Measurable Outcomes
We report progress publicly. By 2030, Norman will reach functional zero: any instance of homelessness is rare, brief, and never a recurring experience. We have done it before — Norman/Cleveland County reached functional zero for veteran homelessness in 2017, confirmed by HUD, the VA and USICH in February 2018, and is still the only community in Oklahoma on that list.
Three pillars. One system.
Homeward Bound NORMAN operates across three interconnected response streams — each one necessary, none sufficient alone.
Prevention
Stopping homelessness before it starts. Emergency rental assistance, eviction diversion, and early intervention for households on the edge.
Rapid Rehousing
Short-term support to help people return to housing quickly. Time-limited rental assistance, case management, and housing placement services.
Permanent Supportive Housing
Long-term affordable housing with wraparound services for people with chronic conditions who need ongoing support.
Built for the whole community.
Every neighbor, every funder, every faith community, and every civic leader has a role to play — and a reason to care.
Faith Communities
68 congregations across Cleveland County and the McClain County line, joined in moral witness and practical action through ClevelandConnect.org.
Businesses
Local employers and institutions investing in a city that works for everyone.
Government
City of Norman, Cleveland County, and federal partners aligned on shared solutions.
Residents
Norman neighbors who believe our city can — and should — do more.
Our love makes a difference.
Whether you're a donor, a civic leader, a service provider, or a concerned neighbor — there is a place for you in this effort.