City of Hamilton presents survey findings from the 20,000 Homes Point-in-Time Count

HAMILTON, ON – March 4, 2016 – At a community presentation in Council Chambers, City of Hamilton Housing Services Division staff presented survey findings from Hamilton’s 20,000 Homes Point-in-Time Count. 

On February 21 and 22, 2016, 263 volunteers and professional social service staff canvassed Hamilton’s urban, suburban and rural areas, emergency shelters, hospitals and community agencies. Volunteers surveyed 504 people experiencing homelessness.  As part of the count, City staff also worked directly with the Aboriginal community to coordinate a magnet event February 22, 2016.

This is the first time in Canadian history that communities across Canada will be conducting a coordinated homeless count supported by the Government of Canada. 

“I am pleased that the City of Hamilton is participating in this first nationally coordinated Homeless Partnering Strategy," said MP Filomena Tassi. "The combined information from communities across Canada is a step toward reaching our goal of housing 20,000 people who are experiencing persistent homelessness by July 1, 2018."

Hamilton’s count supports the 20,000 Homes Campaign and local survey questions collected data on individuals’ history of housing and homelessness, as well as their health and social needs.

“The Point-in-Time Count will allow us to update our priority list of the most vulnerable individuals in our community - ensuring those with the highest needs are housed and adequately supported,” said Mayor Eisenberger. “Hamilton is committed to tackling the challenge of housing our most vulnerable.”

The goal was to connect with as many people as possible experiencing homelessness; to understand the big picture of need in our community and the levels of vulnerability; and to inform planning and prioritization of appropriate responses.

Call to Action

• 138 permanent housing placements locally
• Engage landlords
• Work with other levels of government
• Continue the work of housing system integration
• Call to Action for the development of a National Housing Strategy

Key findings of the 504 people surveyed

Gender

• Female: 28%
• Male: 72%

Health

38% of those surveyed reported having a chronic health condition. This is 2x higher than the overall Canadian population. 

Age

• 16 to 25: 13%

• 26 to 30: 9%

• 31 to 49: 40%

• 50 to 64: 34%

• 65+: 2%

Aboriginal Ancestry

28% reported having Aboriginal ancestry

Barriers to housing

77% of people do not have enough money to meet their housing needs

Severity of Issues

138 people surveyed reported having severe issues and conditions that impact their housing stability

Length of Time Homeless

• Less than 1 year: 215

• 1 year: 53

• 2 years: 78

• 3 years: 40

• 4 years: 14

• 5+ years: 76

“These findings are critical because they humanize the data in ways that help us understand the real, day-to-day challenges faced by many who experience homelessness,” said Councillor Green. “The Point-in-Time Count results make it clear: we can build on this progress and better allocate our city resources to help our most vulnerable people find homes bringing us one step closer to ending homeless in Hamilton."