Charlottetown and Summerside are taking part in a co-ordinated effort to measure homelessness across Canada.
In April, the John Howard Society and volunteers from the community will conduct the second Point-in-Time (PiT) Homeless Count. P.E.I.’s first count was done in 2016.
Over a period of 24 hours, trained volunteers will count and survey individuals who are staying in shelters, short-term housing and sleeping rough (without shelter).
The PiT count will provide a snapshot of homelessness in the two cities and indicate the minimum number of people experiencing homelessness in the community. Other forms of homelessness, such as people staying temporarily with friends, are not typically included in a PiT count. However, the P.E.I. count aims to include the hidden homeless and those currently served through systems, such as correctional facilities, addictions and hospitals.
RELATED: Homelessness invisible issue to many people
“Our PiT count will serve to improve our understanding of the needs and circumstances of the people who are affected by homelessness or at risk in our community,’’ said Wendi James Poirier, HPS co-ordinator for P.E.I. “The survey will provide us with key data on gender, age, ethnicity, veteran status and more.’’
Results from the PiT count will be made public in summary and will be used to improve response to homelessness. In the future, successive counts will allow PiT to measure progress towards the ultimate goal – ending homelessness for Prince Edward Islanders.
The PiT count has received support from the federal government’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy (Employment and Social Development Canada). In March and April, individuals experiencing homelessness are being counted in over 32 communities across the country. The co-ordinated effort will help to create a picture of homelessness in communities across Canada.
A co-ordinator has been hired to facilitate the delivery of the 2018 count along with a committee of volunteers to support the delivery of a magnet event in each community.
“The support from our local organizations and service providers is a true reflection of the community’s engagement and commitment to ending homelessness,’’ said Frank Costa, community advisory board chairman.
“The ultimate goal is to reach as many people impacted by homelessness in our community; we do not want anyone experiencing homelessness to be uncounted.”
