By Francois Macone, Radio Victoria, CILS 107.9 FM, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Regional Capital District (CRD), in partnership with the Community Social Planning Council and the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness, released the results of the 2020 Greater Victoria Spot Count on Friday. It follows previous biennial counts conducted in 2016 and 2018 and is funded by the Government of Canada. As of March 11, 2020, 1,523 people were homeless in the Capital Region, compared to 1,525 on March 15, 2018.
+1500 Homeless Is A Underestimate
Due to changes in methodology from year to year, these two figures do not necessarily suggest trends in the region, and that figure should be treated as an underestimate, writes the CRD.
Some people value their privacy and prefer not to participate in the survey, while others who experience “hidden” homelessness are difficult to reach and, therefore, would not be included in this count.
“The survey results are indicative of the vulnerability of homeless people to homelessness due to structural factors such as poverty, stigma and discrimination, a lack of key resources to meet complex human needs and a lack of choice when trying to find safe and adequate housing with the right supports, ”said Kelly Roth, Executive Director of the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness.
COVID’s Impact On The Homeless
The physical distance and isolation requirements as part of the COVID-19 public health emergency measures have also contributed to a significant increase in the number of people taking refuge outdoors in parks and along boulevards at the following the count and survey of March 11.
A number of shelters were unable to stay open beyond scheduled closures on March 31, and reception centers had to drastically reduce their nightly admissions due to the need to ensure people had the capacity to maintain an appropriate physical distance.
In addition, many people have had to leave informal shelters (the practice of couch surfing) with family and friends because of the need to physically distance themselves.
Correctional and health facilities were forced to return homeless people during the emergency as there were no new accommodation options available in the community as the pandemic worsened.
The closure and significant reduction of outreach services during the pandemic also contributed to the congregation of large numbers of unsheltered people in areas where limited services remained available (Pandora Avenue) and in public spaces where emergency services were provided. emergency were provided (Topaz Park).
Count Shows Where The Needs Are
According to Christine Culham, senior manager of the regional housing program at CRD, “The results of the tally are essential in guiding housing, social supports and health services policies in their planning processes to ensure that resources are invested in. the areas where the needs are greatest ”.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic mobilized the Government of British Columbia, through BC Housing, in partnership with housing, service and health care providers, to help homeless people get through find more permanent accommodation.
481 Housed In Hotels
As of March, 134 people have found accommodation in hotels purchased by BC Housing, while 347 are currently staying in hotels purchased by the province in Victoria.
Another 400 Units Being Developed
CRD is also currently working in partnership with BC Housing and the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation to implement the Regional Housing First Program, a $ 120 million partnership that will fund the development of 400 available housing units. social assistance shelter rates to meet the needs of chronically homeless people in the region.
Find the full report here https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/housing-pdf/housing-planning-and-programs/crd-pit-count-2020-community-report-2020-07 -31.pdf? Sfvrsn = 8d3b1dcc_2
Top photo credit: According to the CRD, this figure should be treated as an underestimate, as some people prefer not to participate in the survey, while others who experience “hidden” homelessness and are difficult to reach. Photo: Harrison Haines – Canva.