CITY ISSUES – ‘Point in time’ count outlines increases in homelessness

More than 300 people were experiencing homelessness in Kamloops at the time of a “Point in Time” count taken last fall, according to a report presented to City Council this week.

A Point-in-Time Count provides a snapshot of the number of people experiencing homelessness within a community in a 24-hour period. The Point-in-Time Count tallies the number of people experiencing homelessness in Kamloops over a specified period and gathers information on the demographics and service needs of the local homeless population.

The count took place on Oct. 17 and 18, 2024, with the support of 75 volunteers, including outreach workers, shelter staff, cultural educators, social workers, and people with lived experiences of homelessness.

Data was provided from nine shelters, and surveys were completed throughout the Kamloops and Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc reserve communities. Surveys were conducted along various walking routes on streets, in parks, along riverbanks, and at three events designed to encourage participation.

During the 24-hour period, 313 individuals were counted, and 236 surveys were completed.

Key Findings

At least 313 people were experiencing homelessness on Oct. 17–18, 2024.

Over the past 10 years, there has been a 229% increase in homelessness in Kamloops.

Since 2021, there has been a 26% increase in seniors’ homelessness.

Among survey respondents, 68% identified as men, 31% identified as female, and 1% identified as another gender identity.

Those who identified as female increased from 22% in 2021 to 31% in 2024. This equates to a 41% increase in female homelessness in Kamloops.

Of those surveyed, 45% first experienced homelessness during their youth (0–24 years of age).

Of those surveyed, 37% identified as being a part of the foster care system as a youth.

Of those who first experienced homelessness as a youth, 53% also experienced the foster care system.

Of those surveyed, 36% have experienced conflict or abuse with or by a spouse/partner, parent/guardian, landlord, or other person that has resulted in their recent housing loss.

Of those who responded, 68% have either lived in Kamloops or have lived in Kamloops for five years or longer.

Of those surveyed, 86% meet the criteria for chronic homelessness.

The most common barrier to housing was high rental prices (80%), followed by low income (78%) and addiction issues (48%).

Of those who responded, 51% identified as having either an illness or a medical condition, and 53% said they had physical mobility challenges.

Of those who responded, 43% said their health challenges impacted their ability to access services.

The Point-in-Time Count surveys confirms that homelessness continues to disproportionately impact Indigenous people, the report said. “This is a direct result of colonization and strategies employed by governments that contributed to the displacement of Indigenous people from their land and separation from their cultures.”

55% of respondents identified as Indigenous, which indicates a significant and growing overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the unhoused population of this region (both on and off-reserve).

Of the survey respondents who identified as female, 64% also identified as Indigenous, “which indicates a disproportionate number of Indigenous females are experiencing homelessness.”

Respondents who identified as Indigenous stated they were more likely to face discrimination (33%) as a barrier to housing compared to respondents who did not identify as Indigenous (3%).

33% of respondents stated that they had residential school experience, which means they, their parent(s), and/or their grandparent(s) attended a residential school.