The shifting nature of homelessness makes it difficult to quantify in a specific area, but a “point in time” count conducted this spring shows the problem is real in Wellington County.
A point in time count is designed to provide a snapshot of the numbers and demographics of those experiencing homelessness on a particular day of the year.
In April the county social services department administered a count across Guelph and Wellington for the first time in an effort to measure the extent of homelessness in the community, as well as to capture some key demographic information of the homeless population.
On a single night in April, 359 individuals in Guelph and Wellington were experiencing homelessness, including 154 adults, 92 youth and 35 families (representing 113 family members), based on data from the 25 individual service providers that participated in the count.
Of the service providers, 15 reported from the City of Guelph and 10 from the County of Wellington. Included in the 35 families counted are 48 adults, 10 dependent adults aged 18 and older and 55 children under 17. The study indicated 65 per cent of those counted were males.
A summary provided by Ontario Works director Stuart Beumer indicates “a large majority” (72% or 257) were experiencing “relative homelessness,” meaning they were living sheltered in precarious, informal or transitional spaces, or living in sub-standard conditions and at-risk of housing loss, such as “couch surfing” or staying with friends.
In contrast, 102 people (28%) were experiencing “absolute homelessness,” meaning they were staying in emergency shelters or living unsheltered in spaces not intended for living, such as on the street or “rough sleeping.”
Despite limitations, such as the potential for duplicate counting, Beumer stated the counts reveal “important information regarding the scope and magnitude of homelessness in Guelph and Wellington, information not readily provided by other available measures.”
“It’s really about understanding our community and homelessness,” said county councillor David Anderson, chair of the social services committee.
The study concludes, “It is important to recognize that homelessness is a reality for many individuals and families in Guelph and Wellington … Research continues to illustrate the immense stress and trauma involved in these insecure, unstable living situations.”
Council received the report for information.
