In April, Charlottetown & Summerside took part in a nationally coordinated effort, led by the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy, to measure homelessness in Canada.

The Point-in-Time Count, the second of its kind in Charlottetown & Summerside, was led by The John Howard Society of PEI (Community Entity) in partnership with the Homelessness Partnering Strategy and The Community Advisory Board.

Over a period of twenty-four hours, volunteers counted and surveyed individuals staying in emergency shelters, temporary accommodation and unsheltered locations, such as sidewalks, parks and other public places. 

The count offers a “snapshot” of homelessness in Charlottetown & Summerside on a single night. The results of the count will produce the minimum number of people experiencing unsheltered and sheltered homelessness in our community. In addition to a count of absolute homelessness, individuals who were couch-surfing, staying temporarily with friends or family, were given the option to participate in the survey.

The results will improve our understanding of the needs and circumstances of the people who are affected by homelessness in our community. We will gain key data on gender, age, Aboriginal identity, veteran status and more.