The Calgary Homeless Foundation says that the 2012 homeless count has shown an 11.4 percent decrease in the amount of people experiencing homelessness since 2008.
In a release, the foundation called the drop the first decrease in the amount of homeless in the city in 20 years.
Calgary had 3,601 people homeless in 2008, but that number has dropped to 3,190, off from a projected level of 4,200.
Tim Richter, the President and CEO of the foundation says the 10 Year Plan is working. "The hard work of front-line agencies, as well as government and donor support has turned the tide of homelessness in Calgary."
Minister of Human Services Dave Hancock says that the ministry will continue to support the work of their partners to get more people off the street and into proper homes.
The count was conducted on January 18, 2012, with data from rough sleepers and 85 shelters that house homeless.
The count, sponsored by Burnet, Duckworth, and Palmer LLP, reclassified emergency, short and long term facilities, removing permanent housing facilities from the past four counts to provide a better representation.
Despite a number of positive signals and housing more than 3,500 people since the 10 Year Plan began, a number of challenges remain.
"To some extent we are fighting an uphill battle in a growing economy: we have people moving to Calgary for work and there is a lack of affordable housing," said Richter.
Migration is also effecting homelessness, with families moving to the city and requiring housing and support.
The 10 Year Plan aims for an end to homelessness by January 29, 2018.
