Every three years, the federal government works with municipalities across Canada to collect critical information about people experiencing homelessness. Over a period of five days from October 23 to October 28, 230 agency and City staff fanned out across Ottawa to talk personally with homeless people to try and understand the causes and needs they were facing. Homeless people engaged in conversation were living in shelters and encampments, institutions like hospitals and jails, and “couch surfing”, or moving frequently as they can find temporary space with family and friends. Here are some of the main fundings:
- 2,952 unique singles or families were homeless during that period, including singles, youth, couples, families with children, and older adults
- 58% were between 25 and 49 years of age
- 49% had been homeless for 6 months or more in the last year
- The two greatest causes of homelessness were inadequate income to make monthly rent payments, and rising rent increases
- The greatest services requested were affordable housing, mental health and addictions help and food security supports
- 479 or 43% of people surveyed identified as Indigenous
Although it is heartbreaking to know that so many people are experiencing housing insecurity in our community, this data will help to target the City’s investment in and planning for the housing and services most needed by the specific groups identified.
