According to preliminary results of the 2011 Metro Vancouver Homeless Count released on May 24, 2011, programs to provide low barrier shelter and longer term supportive and affordable housing are having a positive impact for homeless people across the region. The count, which takes place every three years over a 24-hour period, provides funders, planners, and service providers in Metro Vancouver with an important tool which aids in planning for programs and services for people who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.
 

While the overall number of homeless people remains virtually the same as the last count in 2008, preliminary results indicate a significant shift in the homeless population from unsheltered to sheltered. A total of 2,623 people were found to be homeless during this year’s count on March 16th, down from 2,660 in 2008, and 72% of these were temporarily sheltered compared to only 41% in 2008. The City of Vancouver experienced the largest reduction in the number of unsheltered homeless people, a decrease of 670 people or 82%. 
 

These results indicate that investments in emergency shelters that provide temporary accommodation are working to move people off the streets. However, the lack of affordable rental housing in the region’s municipalities means that many lower and moderate-income households are still at risk of homelessness. Investment in affordable housing along the housing continuum, including longer-term supportive and affordable rental housing, is needed to help people move off the streets permanently.
 

For more information on the 2011 Metro Vancouver Homeless Count, please visit the Greater Vancouver Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness’s website at http://stophomelessness.ca/learn-more-2/homeless-count/.

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