Calgary's homeless population drops, according to new count
A new count of Calgary's homeless population indicates a drop in the number of people living on the streets – the lowest it's been since 2016.
The point-in-time (PiT) tabulation, conducted by the Calgary Homeless Foundation (CHF), took place on Sept. 27, 2022, and found 2,782 individuals were homeless.
Officials with the organization say the PiT gives "a clearer understanding" of the population in Calgary.
"It allowed outreach teams with whom CHF partners to speak directly to those experiencing homelessness to continue to develop relationships, build trust and identify emerging community issues from their point of view," said president Patricia Jones in a statement.
In 2018, the last time the PiT was conducted, 2,911 people were experiencing homelessness. Two years earlier, that figure was 3,222.
The most recent survey also found 71 per cent of Calgary's homeless population is sheltered, which means they regularly use emergency shelters, transitional housing and other programs.
The remainder are considered "unsheltered" – living on the streets, in encampments, in hospital, in correctional facilities, with friends or in vehicles.
The PiT also found 30.1 per cent of Calgary's homeless are Indigenous and the largest homeless demographic is those between the age of 25 and 64.
"The CHF recognizes that inflation and a lack of affordable housing significantly impact people experiencing homelessness in our city," it said in a release.
"We also recognize that we need to continue to work alongside Indigenous organizations and communities who provide culturally appropriate facilities and services."
Full details of the CHF's PiT can be found online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
Tropical fish stolen from Beachburg, Ont. restaurant found and returned
Ontario Provincial Police have landed a suspect following a fishy theft in Beachburg, Ont.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.