Winnipeg, MB - Twenty-six community partners are working together to coordinate and complete Winnipeg's second street census on April 18, 2018. This large-scale, community-based research project will gather information about the extent and nature of homelessness in Winnipeg over a 24-hour period. The Winnipeg street census is funded by the Government of Canada Homelessness Partnering Strategy in the amount of $81,000, administered through the City of Winnipeg, as well as in-kind services from the City and various partner organizations.
“Homelessness is a reality for too many Canadians and a challenge for every community. The Government of Canada is proud to be working in collaboration with communities like the City of Winnipeg to conduct this second, national point-in-time count,” said The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “This data is essential to helping us create a real picture of homelessness in Canada, so that we can develop effective strategies that respond to homelessness at the local level.”
The information collected during the street census can be used by funders, governments and community organizations to improve decision-making and to track progress on ending homelessness. A point-in-time count will identify how many people are experiencing homelessness in shelters and on the streets at that time and additional demographic and service needs information will be gathered so that community resources can be targeted where they are most needed.
“Taking on homelessness means the needs of the whole person – for shelter, health, safety, and opportunity – have to be recognized by the whole community,” said Acting Deputy Mayor Matt Allard. “This requires the contributions of many partners, and the second Winnipeg street census will provide the information all partners need for continued action and real solutions.”
The Social Planning Council of Winnipeg is coordinating the Winnipeg street census in partnership with many organizations who provide support to people experiencing homelessness. The majority of the information is gathered through face-to-face surveys conducted by dedicated and compassionate volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering can learn more at streetcensuswpg.ca
“This second Winnipeg Street Census is another important opportunity to learn more about the realities of homelessness in our community”, said Lucille Bruce, CEO of End Homelessness Winnipeg. “The information collected will be invaluable in identifying gaps and priorities as we move forward with our community partners in implementing the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness in our city.”
This will be the second street census held in Winnipeg. The first one, conducted on October 25, 2015, found there were at least 1,400 people experiencing homelessness in Winnipeg and gathered stories and data on demographics, causes of homelessness, and supports accessed. Over 24 hours, 300 volunteers went to shelters, transitional housing sites, bottle depots, and community agencies or drop-in locations. Surveyors walked almost 140 km of inner-city streets.
Background
With funding support from the Government of Canada Homelessness Partnering Strategy administered through the City of Winnipeg, the Winnipeg street census is coordinated through the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg with in-kind services from various partner organizations including:
Project Team:
- City of Winnipeg
- EAGLE Urban Transition Centre
- Institute of Urban Studies (U of W)
- Lived Experience Circle
- Macdonald Youth Services
- Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre
- Siloam Mission
- Social Planning Council of Winnipeg
Project Partners:
- Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre
- Canadian Mental Health Association Winnipeg
- End Homelessness Winnipeg
- Here and Now: Winnipeg Plan to End Youth Homelessness
- John Howard Society of Manitoba
- Ka Ni Kanichihk
- Main Street Project
- Mount Carmel Clinic
- North End Community Renewal Corporation
- Province of Manitoba, Department of Families, Manitoba Housing
- Resource Assistance for Youth
- Rossbrook House
- Spence Neighbourhood Association
- Sunshine House
- The Salvation Army Booth Centre Winnipeg
- West Central Women's Resource Centre
- Winnipeg Police Service
- Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
Many other community agencies are supporting the project through participation on planning groups, by providing administrative data, and assisting with the survey at their locations.