Between April 28 and April 30, 2021, trained staff from the homeless serving sector, alongside cross-sector service agencies and community partners, participated in Brantford-Brant’s Point-in-Time Homeless count and survey. This event counted at least 238 individuals who experienced homelessness on the night of April 28, and surveyed 158 individuals regarding their invaluable set of personal histories, experiences, and needs.

This year’s Point-in-Time (PiT) count transpired during a unique time in our collective history
– during the global COVID-19 pandemic. At the time of the count, Brantford-Brant was under a strict stay-at-home order, with limited capacity to facilitate community magnet events that would encourage individuals experiencing all forms of homelessness to participate. Locally, shelters had modified capacity levels to ensure safe social distancing for clients, and an Isolation Facility housed numerous individuals vulnerable to COVID-19. As a result of COVID-19 safety measures,
PiT participation may have been affected.

The PiT Count is more than a tool to enumerate the number of individuals experiencing homelessness on a specific night. It supports communities to gather invaluable insight to the nature and extent of homelessness. This survey supports the collection of demographics, history, and service needs. This information helps inform the strategic direction of decision-makers, planners, and service providers in order to meaningfully prevent, reduce, and end homelessness.