Thompson Local News

Report Finds 130 Considered To Be Homeless In Thompson From March Point In Time Count

The results from the most recent point in time (PiT) count, which was conducted earlier this year, have been released. 

 

This was the second federally-coordinated PiT count, with the first being introduced by the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy in 2016. This years’ count was conducted in over 60 communities across the country between March and April.

 

In Thompson, the PiT count was organized by the CMHA, with support from the University of Manitoba Northern Social Work Program and organizations like the Northern Regional Health Authority, the Thompson Crisis Centre and the Ma Mow We Tak Friendship Centre.

 

Volunteers found that 130 individuals (112 adults, 18 children) in the city were considered to be homeless when they were out on the evening of March 13th and during the day on March 14th. Of the 112 adults surveyed, almost 70% were staying in transitional facilities (such as the homeless shelter) while the rest were counted on the street.

 

The key findings of the report indicate that 60.4% of the adults who were surveyed identified as male, while 94.5% of the participants identified themselves as Indigenous. The largest age group (27% of the adults) said they were between 40 and 49, with 36.1% saying that they first became homeless before the age of 20.

 

The report says that 65% met the criteria for chronic homelessness, 51.8% said that they have lived in Thompson for years and that 54 participants (36.5%) stated that they need services for substance use. 

 

The forward to the PiT count report says that “the causes of homelessness amongst Indigenous people must be viewed within the context of the historical injustices brought on through the process of colonization” and that “the north has a long colonial history that has affected Indigenous peoples and communities. 76.6% of those who were surveyed said that either they or a family member had been to residential school.

 

The CMHA has said that they will be hosting a community cafe to discuss the report. 

 

The full document can be viewed online by clicking here.

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