The YMCA of Regina has released the results of their second point-in-time count of homelessness.
The PIT count was conducted on April 18, 2018. According to the report, 286 people were identified as being homeless at that time.
The last time a PIT count was conducted was 2015, when 232 people were identified as homeless.
The YMCA also conducted a survey to get more information about the homeless population. 143 of the people who identified as homeless agreed to participate in the survey.
Of those surveyed, 106 people said that they had moved to Regina from another community, the majority within Saskatchewan.
The survey also found that hidden homelessness is common. 31.8 per cent said they were staying at an emergency shelter, 28.3 per cent said they were in transitional housing, and 29.7 per cent said they were staying at someone else’s home. Only 10.2 per cent said they were living on the street and did not know where they would sleep that night.
More than half, 54.01 per cent of respondents said they had experienced homelessness for the first time before the age of 18, and 57.89 per cent said they had some sort of history with foster care or social services.
The survey also found that 79.72 per cent identified as Indigenous.
The YMCA plans to use the info to develop their plan to end homelessness in Regina, which they are billing as a comprehensive five year strategy.
“One of our goals from the start has been to ensure this Plan was created with and for the community,” Terin Kennedy, Director of The Plan To End Homelessness in a written release. “We are striving for ambitious goals that will take community support and collaboration in order for success to occur. We believe the Regina community, including non-profits, private business and all levels of Government, are ready to see this through.”
The plan will be released later this year.
