News Releases

Homeless Count 2008
[November 25, 2008]

Homeless numbers reach 3000 mark

Edmonton: Homeward Trust Edmonton is today releasing the The Homeless Count, which took place on October 21^st, revealed that 3079 people are homeless in Edmonton, this is an 18% increase on the 2006 (2618) figures.
ü      The number of absolute[1][1] homeless increased by almost 5% or 88 to 1862 and the number of sheltered homeless[2][2] increased by approximately 44% or 373 to 1217.
ü      There was a significant increase in the number of families enumerated in 2008 as compared to 2006 (133 compared to 79). This represents an 87% increase (34) in the number of Absolute Homeless Families. There was also an increase in the number of shelter spaces available for women and children over the same period.
ü      There have been increases in the number of children and seniors over 65 yrs of age living on the street.
ü      The Count recorded a significant decrease in the number of turnaways in 2008. Only 52 people were turned away as compared to 256 in 2006. In addition, the number discharged with no home to return to dropped to 72 from the previous count of 113. Turnaways are not included in the homeless tally. There were no turnaways from housing providers.
ü      There was an increase in the number of shelter spaces available from 2006, of those available spaces, a large number are reserved for women and children, this is reflected in the increase in the number of homeless families: 50% increase (20) in the number of Sheltered Homeless Families.
ü      The vast majority of the 3079 total homeless figure is single aboriginal men between the ages of 31-54;

“We weren’t sure what to expect when we did the Count in October. We have funded a number transitional and permanent housing units in the past two years and these have successfully taken around 200 people off the streets and into permanent housing. But Edmonton and Alberta is still a booming economy and many people are still drawn here for the work and unfortunately some people end up homeless," said Susan McGee, Executive Director, Homeward Trust.

“ The Count revealed that there are 18% more homeless people than 2 years ago – this is a similar increase to that of other cities in North America. Significant issues arising from this Count are: the increase in homeless families and children. This increase is partly due to improvements in the survey form which clarified the definition of dependents, caregivers and their housing status, and the fact that more shelter spaces are available for women and children.”

Mc Gee continues, “One sad fact is that we are seeing more seniors over 65 years of age living on the streets and so it is important that we address these issues in our planning in the coming months.”

“And as winter approaches, we are pleased to announce our Winter Emergency Response Plan is ready to be rolled out. The WER Plan is a strategic response to how we help homeless people through the harsh winter months. The plan is coordinated by the Winter Response Committee (a committee made up of Homeward Trust, the three orders of government and community agencies) and the committee meets regularly through the winter to ensure that services adequately meet the needs of the homeless population."

"This year we are pleased to announce that Homeward Trust will be supporting a comprehensive program of: shelters, drop-in and warming centres, transportation, support services and coordination. We are also ensuring that homeless have access to services that get them into shelters and into permanent housing.”

“We’re excited as well because the “Housing First” model is being adopted in Edmonton and we can see through this program homeless people given access to permanent housing with appropriate supports (medical, mental health, job search, budgeting, shopping, addictions programs and so on) to ensure a successful outcome. Housing First is being trialled by a number of community partners and we are committed to ensuring that homeless people get access to permanent housing with the wrap around supports they need to help them through the first year”, McGee said.

Further information on the Homeless Count and the Winter Emergency Response Plan: Susan McGee, Executive Director, Homeward TrustT (780) 496 6035C (780) 905 1232

[1][1]Individuals and families who are absolutely homeless (having no housing alternatives)” and;

[2][2] Individuals and families who are the sheltered homeless (living in emergency accommodations and expected to be 'on the street' at the end of their stay).”

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