2011 Homeless Count in Metro Vancouver
March 10, 2011
The Fourth Homeless Count in the Metro Vancouver region will be conducted from midnight to midnight on March 16. Since 2002, decision makers, funders and community agencies have relied on the count conducted every three years (2002, 2005 and 2008). The homeless count is an important tool to better understand Metro Vancouver’s homeless population.
“The homeless count is the best way to determine if the homeless population is increasing or decreasing, as well as analyze trends within the population,” commented Susan Papadionissiou, Co-Chair of the Greater Vancouver Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness.
Patrick Stewart, Chair of the Aboriginal Homelessness Steering Committee highlighted recent homelessness trends in the Aboriginal community, “Between 2005 and 2008, count figures showed us there was more growth in homelessness among the Aboriginal population (34%) compared to the non-Aboriginal population (21%).”
Funding for this critical initiative is provided by the United Way of the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Foundation, City of Vancouver, and the Surrey Homelessness and Housing Fund. This year, it is anticipated there will be over 700 volunteers participating on Count day.
The methods and implementation of the count are overseen by the Greater Vancouver Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness and the Aboriginal Homelessness Steering Committee. OrgCode Consulting, Inc has been retained as the Research Consultant for the Count.
“This year, data on the number of people with No Fixed Address in jails, hospitals, treatment and other transitional facilities will be included in count numbers. In addition, new strategies have been developed to reach homeless youth who have been underrepresented in previous counts,” commented Alice Sundberg, Co-Chair of the Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness.
Preliminary results from the Metro Vancouver 2011 Metro Vancouver Homelessness Count are expected to be released in April with the final results following in July.
About The Greater Vancouver Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness (RSCH)
The (RSCH) was established in March 2000 to bring together a range of people and organizations operating and funding facilities, services or programs targeted to people who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness in the region. The RSCH now includes over 35 members representing service providers, community-based organizations, business and labour, and all levels of government.
About The Aboriginal Homelessness Steering Committee
The vision of the Aboriginal Homelessness Steering Committee is to reduce and prevent Aboriginal homelessness, and to improve the quality of life for those that are homeless. The Committee was established in September 2000 and now includes over 25 members representing Aboriginal service provide and community-based organizations. The Committee agrees that the most effective means of addressing the vision is through Aboriginal best practices and culturally appropriate services.
For more information or interviews contact Helesia Luke
hluke@ethosstrategygroup.com | Office: 778.786.2838 | Cell: 778.858.0553
Photo Information: www.stophomelessness.ca
The BC Coalition of People with Disabilities is a member of the Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness.
