The results are in from a homeless count conducted in February in Williams Lake.
Project Manager for Housing First, Anne Burrill says although the numbers were down from the count two years ago it’s hard to say if it shows an actual improvement as there are many factors that can affect the count.
“This year when we did our count the weather was quite cold and so often folks aren’t out and about so that can affect the number of people that you can actually talk to on any given day. So I think it’s encouraging, but it’s also a bit sobering.”
Burrill says from the count conducted on February 27, 2017 they found 48 individuals who were homeless. A count conducted in 2015 had identified 59 homeless people.
“That includes people who were staying in the shelter, people who were sleeping outside, people who were couch surfing.”
She says the count also included individuals who were in the hospital or other facilities including jail who did not have a home to go back to should they have been discharged.
She says the results, as well as ways to fill gaps in the community will be further discussed by the Homeless and Housing Committee at an upcoming meeting.
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