Fewer homeless in Edmonton
There are fewer homeless people on Edmonton's streets according to the most recent homeless count.
Volunteerscounted2,421 homeless people in a city-wide survey in October.
Last year's count tallied3,079 homeless people.
The 20 per cent drop is the firstdecrease in numbers since the annual count began about a decade ago.
It shows the 10-year plan to end homelessness is working, said Mayor Stephen Mandel.
"We've stemmed the tide of the ever increasing growth, he said. "That change shows the housing-first model and the way the agencies are working together is really making a change and a very positive change."
According to Mandel more than1,000 people have found homes through recent funding initiatives and new programs.