This week, homelessness in Winnipeg: The point in time count

Winnipeg is taking a closer look at the city’s homeless population to examine what needs to be done to support them.

End Homelessness Winnipeg started its street census on Tuesday. Volunteers will hit the streets between Wednesday and Friday for a point count, where they will count the number of homeless people in Winnipeg on those dates and ask them what their greatest needs are.

“We see the full picture of homelessness; who is affected, where and why,” said Jackie Hunt, Senior Director of Strategy and Impact at End Homelessness Winnipeg.

“This information will allow us to understand the extent of homelessness here in Winnipeg.”

Hunt said the number will also highlight service gaps in Winnipeg.

“We’ll learn where mental health, affordable housing or other resources might be needed and guide decisions and funding,” she said.

Volunteers will operate from four locations during the point count: Thunderbird House, End Homelessness Winnipeg, The Link and Mount Carmel Clinic. Organizers are also doing a four-day countdown to help with multi-person discussions.

The the most recent count took place in May 2022 and counted 1,256 people experiencing homelessness. From that number, 75% were indigenous and less likely to access the shelter service due to perceived discrimination. The report also found that more than half of those experiencing homelessness had previous involvement in CFS and more than half were experiencing homelessness despite receiving employment and income support.