FOR RELEASE
April 5, 2018
Whitehorse takes part in second coordinated Point-in-Time Homeless Count
The Council of Yukon First Nations and the Yukon Planning Group on Homelessness will conduct a Point-in-Time (PiT) Homeless Count some time this month in an attempt to take a second snapshot of what homelessness looks like in Whitehorse. The first PiT Count was conducted in the city in 2016.
It is part of the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy, which is funding the project. A PiT Count helps determine the extent and nature of homelessness in a community in a single 24-hour period. The results can be used to improve the response to homelessness locally.
This month, trained volunteers will identify and survey individuals in shelters, in short-term housing, and who are sleeping rough (without shelter). Results will be made public shortly after the count is completed.
Quote:
“We are eager to build on what we already know and continue the community’s efforts to end homelessness. Whitehorse is one of over sixty communities participating in the coordinated effort to create a national picture of homelessness.”
Bill Thomas, Chair of the Yukon Planning Group on Homelessness
Quick facts
- The 2016 Point-in-Time Count in Whitehorse revealed that among the 256 homeless individuals aged 17 – 72 years old who were counted:
- 78% identified as aboriginal
- 43% reported a history of foster or group-home care
- 20% attended residential school
Learn more:
The Homelessness Partnering Strategy: Coordinated Point-in-Time Count
The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness: Point-in-Time Count Toolkit
The Canadian Definition of Homelessness
Contact:
Kate Mechan
PiT Count Coordinator
Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition
867-334-9317
Juliann Fraser
Communications Advisor
Council of Yukon First Nations
867-393-2900 ext. 9223
juliann.fraser@nullcyfn.net