Homeless count on March 6

To better understand local issues to help municipalities and local organizations best support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, government is conducting a second provincial homeless count.

The Province is partnering with the Homelessness Services Association of BC (HSABC) and BC Housing to complete 16 community counts throughout the province in March and April. Government has provided $900,000 to support the community counts, pilot an extended count in two communities and support additional research on homelessness among Indigenous peoples.

Community agencies in Sechelt, Gibsons, and Roberts Creek are participating in the provincial homeless count. This one-day count will take place in Sechelt, Gibsons, and Roberts Creek on March 6. On Count Day, volunteers will be assigned to teams of two to who will survey individuals experiencing homelessness by walking pre-determined routes through Sechelt, Gibsons, and Roberts Creek, and/or working at stations at designated community agencies. If you want to volunteer contact ele_molnar@sunshine.net.

Data from the counts will provide a better understanding of homelessness in BC. This information will be used to improve supports and services, measure progress in addressing homelessness and increase public awareness.

“Homelessness in BC continues to be a struggle for people, and the barriers that they face vary in different communities,” said Shane Simpson, minister of social development and poverty reduction. “Our second provincial homeless count is a way that, together, we can get a clearer understanding of what homelessness looks like in order to better support some of the most vulnerable people in BC.” 

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