Fewer people in Greater Victoria are unsheltered and sleeping outdoors, but the number of people experiencing homelessness is still growing compared to two years ago, according to the 2018 Greater Victoria Point-in-Time (PiT) Count.
The Capital Regional District (CRD), in partnership with the Community Social Planning Council (CSPC) and the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness, released a report on the count’s findings on Tuesday.
150 registered volunteers conducted the survey over 40 locations in one night, including day programs, emergency and transitional housing, treatment facilities, and domestic violence shelters. The count is intended to provide information about who is experiencing homelessness and why, rather than primarily focus on raw numbers.
“On behalf of the Coalition, I’d like to express deep appreciation for the time, effort and commitment that individuals and agencies gave to this important research,” said Mayor Lisa Helps, who also sits as co-chair of Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness.
“We especially wish to acknowledge those who participated in the survey and had the courage to share their stories with us. It is with this level of collaboration and dedication that we will see an end to homelessness in the region.”
A total of 1,525 individuals were counted and more than 906 participated in the survey. The number is an increase from the count in 2016, which found 1,387 people experiencing homelessness.
The report state, however, that the two counts are not directly comparable due to difference in their methodologies.
“While the total number of the 2018 enumeration may be higher, this is largely reflective of the success of the 2018 PiT Count’s intentional outreach strategy to connect with populations that may be, for a variety of reasons, harder to reach,” the report says.
People experiencing homelessness include various demographics
Of the survey respondents, one-fifth (19.4%) were aged 55 and up, and 17.4% were under the age of 25. One-third (33%) of respondents identified as Indigenous, which is far higher than the proportion of Indigenous people among the broader population (4.7%).
Volunteers found 158 unsheltered people when conducting the count—18 per cent fewer than two years ago. The decrease is notable for the very fact that volunteers were counting in more communities than last time.
The count also found that there are more people experiencing homelessness who are receiving assistance, whether its in emergency or transitional shelters, but still need permanent homes.
“Although the Point in Time Count process has limitations and can’t track trends over time, it provides a minimum estimate of the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single night,” said Stefanie Hardman, Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria research manager.
“We thank the many volunteers who helped administer the survey as it provides valuable information that will support service planning and delivery in the region.”
To read the full report, click here. An infographic showing more of the counts’ findings is included below:
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