British Columbia's homeless count shows challenges ahead

The first-ever province-wide homeless-count report shows that while B.C. has taken steps to house British Columbians, more work needs to be done to prevent and address homelessness throughout the province.

According to the report, which brought together statistics from 24 communities over the past two years, at least 7,655 people are experiencing homelessness across a broad demographic of individuals, families, youth and seniors. Former children in care and Indigenous Peoples are significantly overrepresented.

"Too many British Columbians - working, on a pension, suffering from illness - have been left behind for far too long," said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. "This level of homelessness should never have been allowed to take hold. The numbers we're seeing make us even more determined to make housing more available and affordable for all British Columbians."

The B.C. government began to take action on homelessness after being sworn in last year by fast-tracking modular housing in 22 communities and supportive housing for Indigenous Peoples, women and Children fleeing violence, and seniors.

"Having a place to call home, knowing there is somewhere to go that is safe and secure means different things to different people," said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "For some, it is a new start, opening a door to new opportunities. For others, it is hope, relief from grinding despair.

The report is the first time this information has been compiled on a provincial level and will help government, community partners and housing providers develop better supports and services to help people who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

The government will release a homelessness action plan as part of B.C.'s first Poverty Reduction Strategy in early 2019.