Point-in-Time Count Sheds Light on Canada’s Homeless Population

Nearly 6,000 People Found Living in Shelters, on the Street, or in Transitional Facilities

For the first time, new numbers are showing the depth of the homelessness problem in 28 small and medium-sized Canadian communities, and clarifying the picture in four larger cities, reports CTV News. 

The Canadian government has released highlights from “point-in-time” counts conducted in 32 cities last year, which found nearly 6,000 people living in shelters, on the street, or in transitional facilities.

The count also found that indigenous people are over-represented in the homeless population, and that veterans are more likely to experience homelessness for longer stretches of time. Homeless veterans made up nearly 5 percent of those counted, and the results show respondents who identified as indigenous were nine times more likely to be homeless than non-indigenous. Volunteers and local officials also found that 4 percent of those counted were recent immigrants or refugees to Canada.

The report says these findings, along with information about the number of families and newcomers to Canada, point to a need for more targeted supports for these groups.

Photo: kennethkonica Snow and freezing weather doesn't deter her from begging. via photopin (license)