City of Ottawa taking snapshot of homeless population as shelters grapple with rising demand
The City of Ottawa is hoping to learn this week just how many residents in the capital are homeless.
A "point-in-time count" began at noon Wednesday and will end at noon Thursday to provide a snapshot of the city's homeless population, with the goal of shaping better policies to support them.
A point-in-time count is a 24-hour event where outreach teams canvass outdoor areas and gather information from shelters and transitional housing to obtain an estimate of the number of people experiencing homelessness.
The count will include known locations of both sheltered and unsheltered homelessness.
The last point-in-time count was conducted in 2021 and found 1,340 people across 114 locations in Ottawa. A count was also conducted in 2018, which surveyed 1,400 people across 118 sites.
The effort also includes a survey on homelessness that will be conducted over five days, ending at 4 p.m. Monday.
"The survey period has been extended this year to enable a more representative sample, including populations that are often missed or undercounted, such as youth, women, Indigenous peoples and those experiencing hidden homelessness, such as staying with friends or family," the City of Ottawa said in a news release.
In 2021, nine per cent of people experiencing homelessness were staying on the streets, up from five per cent during the survey in 2018. Fifty-five per cent of people experiencing homelessness in Ottawa in 2021 were staying in shelters, down from 67 per cent three years earlier, and more than half said they had been homeless for more than 180 days in the previous year. More than a quarter of survey respondents said the reason they were homeless was because of a lack of income.
Ottawa's shelters say they're facing unprecedented demand in 2024. The Ottawa Mission's most recent report says it is dealing with a record-breaking surge of homelessness and food insecurity. The Mission says it serves an average of 3,103 meals every day.
Any resident who is experiencing hidden homelessness can contact 3-1-1 to complete the survey by phone.
Residents can also contact the Point-in-Time Count Command Centre at pitcount_denombrementponctuel@ottawa.ca or at 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) to obtain information on locations where they can complete the survey in person.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada will cut its permanent immigration levels by at least 20 per cent
Canada will lower the number of permanent immigrants it allows into the country by at least 20 per cent from its previous target of 500,000, CTV News confirmed Wednesday.
CEO of N.B. potato chip company taking 'extended leave of absence' after arrest
The president and CEO of New Brunswick-based Covered Bridge Potato Chips is taking an 'extended leave of absence' after being charged with domestic violence this past weekend.
Memorial growing outside Halifax Walmart where employee was found dead
A memorial is growing outside a Walmart in Halifax after a 19-year-old employee was found dead inside an oven in the store Saturday night.
Trudeau says Liberals 'strong and united' despite caucus dissent
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the Liberal party is 'strong and united,' despite efforts from within his caucus to oust him as leader.
'Canadians can breathe a sigh of relief': Bank of Canada governor on interest rate cut
The Bank of Canada made a sizable cut to its key lending rate Wednesday from 4.25 per cent to 3.75 per cent as the global economy continues to expand. The half percentage point cut is the fourth rate cut in a row by the central bank as inflation dropped from 2.7 per cent in June to 1.6 per cent in September.
Search efforts begin at Prairie Green Landfill: Manitoba government
A search has started at Prairie Green Landfill for the remains of two victims of a serial killer.
'Things are very hard here': Popular Toronto crossing guard asks community for help finding work
He is a familiar face to residents of a neighbourhood just west of Roncesvalles Avenue.
Flair Airlines ending Saskatoon routes in November
Canada's discount airline is suspending operations to and from Saskatoon.
More than 10 million Canadians living in homes with 'high radon,' report says
A new report suggests that Canadians' exposure to a radioactive gas is increasing, putting millions of people at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.