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Homelessness: Definitions, Estimates and report cards
Homelessness is both a visible and invisible problem, the extent of which is not entirely known because Canada does not have any accurate national statistics. There is no reliable method for counting the number of people that are experiencing homelessness and housing instability. No one is sure how many people live on the streets or in substandard shelter. Efforts are needed to effectively gather this information.

In an effort to assess the numbers of homeless in their jurisdictions, several municipalities have engaged in "street counts"; one time snap shots that determine the number of homeless individuals on a given night. However, the very nature of homelessness means that counting the people affected is difficult. The homeless population has no fixed address, is mobile, and in many cases, is hidden.

Homelessness seems to have increased in visibility in urban centres and is believed to be increasing in sub-urban and rural areas but this cannot be... substantiated with numbers. Finally, one night snap-shots are criticized for underestimating the number of people who experience homelessness over the course of a year.

AUTHOR: Power, Asetha (2008) Homeless Hub. [Show More][Show Less]
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A Canadian Homelessness Research Network (CHRN) initiative. The CHRN has received financial support from the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy and the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada

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