Snapshot of homelessness will help services reach most vulnerable

Waterloo Region - The Region of Waterloo will take its second snapshot of local homelessness this spring to help services reach the most vulnerable.

On April 23, more than 80 staff and volunteers will count and survey people who are staying in shelters, transitional housing, or sleeping unsheltered in Waterloo Region.

“This survey will help us better understand the needs and circumstances of people experiencing homelessness,” said Deb Schlichter, Director of Housing.

The snapshot will include key data on gender, age, indigeneity, use of emergency services, and veteran status. Some people will also be asked to complete a survey about their housing needs.   

“Knowing the services people need to find and keep a home enables us and our partners to connect them to the right supports as quickly as possible,” said Schlichter.

The Province requires municipalities to conduct homelessness counts every two years starting this spring. The last snapshot was taken in December 2014. At that time, 295 people (not including families) were experiencing homelessness. About half had the highest level of need and nearly two-thirds were experiencing chronic homelessness.

This count will help the Region measure local progress towards ending homelessness. In 2017, the Region and its partners helped 143 people with a history of homelessness access permanent homes, up from 96 in 2016.

The Region received funding from Employment and Social Development Canada to join other municipalities to complete the count. This coordinated effort offers a picture of homelessness across Canada.

For more information, please contact:
Sherry Morley
Communications Coordinator, Community Services
smorley@regionofwaterloo.ca
519-883-2377

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