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County to participate in Provincial point-in-time homeless count

January 27, 2022   ·   0 Comments

The County of Simcoe will take part in a coordinated effort in January to measure homelessness across Ontario.

The homelessness enumeration project will be conducted in partnership between the County and the Simcoe County Alliance to End Homelessness.

Over three days, the service provider will count and survey individuals who are staying in shelters, short-term housing, temporary accommodations, and “sleeping rough” – meaning without a shelter.

The count will provide a snapshot of homelessness in Simcoe County. 

The survey will indicate the minimum number of people experiencing homelessness in the community.

While the count will be fairly accurate, it should be noted that other forms of homelessness such as people temporarily staying with friends, are difficult to count.

“The Point-in-Time Count goes a long way to gauging where we are in our communities as we continue to build additional affordable rental units across the County,” said County Warden George Cornell. “We are well on our way to reaching our goal of 2,685 new units between 2014 – 2024 under Our Community 10-Year Affordable housing and Homelessness Prevention Strategy. This is an important tool to ensure that we are providing the vital support required where it is needed the most.”

The PiT Count will improve the community’s understanding of the needs and circumstances of the people who are affected by homelessness in the region.

The survey will provide data on gender, age, ethnicity, veteran status, and several other categories.

Results from the PiT Count will be made publicly. 

Results will be used to improve the local response to homelessness in the County.

“Through this Point in Time Count, we are able to collect key data that helps us better understand those experiencing homelessness,” said Jen Fleury, Chair, Simcoe County alliance to End Homelessness. “This information moves us one step closer to finding solutions together for the who need one.”

By Brian Lockhart
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

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