Penticton’s annual Point-in-Time Count shows 45% increase in homelessness
Global News
The City of Penticton and local advocates are calling for more housing following the annual homeless count.
There has been a 45-per cent jump in the number of people experiencing homelessness in Penticton, B.C., according to the latest homeless count.
The Point-in-Time Count, released two weeks ago by BC Housing, provides a snapshot of those experiencing homelessness in a 24-hour period and found 166 unhoused people.
“We know the number that has been reported is the minimum and that is not the average or the maximum. It is the number of folks that we found on that particular day which was April 28, 2023,” said 100 More Homes co-chair Linda Sankey.
“One thing that stood out to us was the 45-per cent increase over the last numbers, which is really significant. Our committee has worked really hard to try and increase housing options for folks who are unhoused, and experiencing homelessness.
“Since 2018 there’s been about 175 units or bed spaces for folks that are unsheltered in Penticton, but those numbers keep increasing faster than we do or have actions to meet the means.”
According to the report, 55 per cent of people experiencing homelessness used housing or an official shelter while 45 per cent did not.
It also showed that 75 per cent have one or more health conditions however homelessness is a significant barrier to getting treatment or healthcare.
“Our numbers really show that in order for people to access the services that they need you need a safe place to be able to return to, to lay down, to rest,” said Sankey.
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