Sydney-area homeless count to gather better figures

The Cape Breton Community Housing Association is seeking better figures on the number of homeless in the region and is preparing to launch an on-the-street count.

Trained volunteers will conduct what's known as a point-in-time survey over a 12-hour period in Sydney, North Sydney, New Waterford and Glace Bay.

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Fred Deveaux, the executive director of the housing association, said anyone in the target areas could be stopped and asked to volunteer information about their housing situation.

"We target a number of areas where we know that people who are experiencing homelessness congregate: shelters, downtown areas," said Deveaux.

He said everyone in those areas will be approached and asked some "screening" questions to see if they are willing to participate in the survey.

"If they indicate they are experiencing homelessness then we proceed with the rest of the survey, if they're willing," he said.

There is also concern about people living in a places not fit for human habitation, such as behind shopping malls and in and around abandoned buildings. Deveaux said volunteers will be looking for those places and "asking people questions if we come across them."

'We'll get a good picture'

The survey date is not being publicized because some people who are homeless might make themselves scarce if they know when it will take place.

"We'll get a good picture of who's homeless on that day," said Deveaux.

The whole point of getting this "snapshot of homelessness" is to then apply to a new federal government program called Housing First.

"People who are presenting as homeless are rapidly re-housed, and then appropriate supports and services are wrapped around those individuals to help them maintain their housing, and build some stability within their lives," Deveaux said.

He explains that some people may also need assistance with mental health or addiction issues, and may require some guidance to achieve certain educational and employment goals.

Deveau said funding for the Housing First program comes from Service Canada. Community partners such as Public Health, Cape Breton University and the Nova Scotia Health Authority are providing other types of assistance.