Surprising results from Penticton homeless survey

A recent study conducted by the provincial government discovered that nearly 7,700 people are homeless in B.C. — and 108 of them reside here in Penticton.

Of the 108 people surveyed:

• 63 per cent have some form of shelter

• 33 per cent sleep outdoors

• 63 per cent identify as male

• 37 per cent are female

• 1 per cent identify as other

• 15 per cent are youth

• 24 per cent are Indigenous

• 13 per cent are gainfully employed • 24 per cent are seniors

• 37 per cent rely on income assistance

• 64 per cent report they suffer from two or more health conditions

• 49 per cent have lived in Penticton for over 10 years

• 23 per cent have resided in Penticton for less than one year

The survey results are significantly lower than a count conducted by the 100 Homes Penticton program in November 2017, which found 163 people were homeless in the community. The group reported earlier this month that it had housed 133 people since its inception in 2016.

The most recent survey was completed in 12 communities over a 24-hour period in April by the Homelessness Services Association of BC with $550,000 in funding from the B.C. government.

“We know there are many more people who still need a safe place to call home,” Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Shane Simpson said in a press release.

“We continue to work closely with all our partners to find solutions, build new housing and deliver effective supports.”