By Geoff Smith (@smithco on Twitter)

Officials pleased with lower numbers in homeless count

Nov 29, 2016 | 10:34 AM

LETHBRIDGE – Even with an economic downturn, Lethbridge has made major headway in reducing the number of people without a home.

The City of Lethbridge and Social Housing in Action tallied 89 homeless people during their one-night homeless count, conducted by volunteers on Oct. 19. That’s down from 140 in the count conducted two years earlier. It also represents a 68 per cent decrease from 2008.

“This has truly been achieved as a result of a whole community who comes together to make something different happen,” said Diane Randell, manager of community and social development for the City of Lethbridge.

“I will attribute it to our Housing First teams. I will attribute it to a whole community who has come together to make this happen, and to get behind the plan and implement the plan. And to a city council that has been very supportive.”

She called the results promising, but said more housing options and supports are needed.

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“But overall, we are very pleased with the process, and now we know where we have to focus more efforts,” she said.

Of the 89 people counted, 64 were men, 19 were women, and one identified as transgender/transsexual/other. 54 per cent were Indigenous. Eight per cent were Canadian military or RCMP. And there were no children counted.

Sixty-nine per cent of the tally were in emergency shelter, while another nine per cent were not. The preliminary numbers included the correctional/justice system, but not health facilities, which will be in the final report.

Randell says it’s interesting that even in the downturn, people are finding housing and support, which is reflected in the Lethbridge numbers, and across the province.

“It’s not just a matter of giving someone housing. They have support systems in place as well so that they can be successful,” she said. That includes mental health and addictions services, and supports for people with cognitive disabilities.

Findings, including trends, will be included in a final report to the province in spring 2017.

by Geoff Smith (@smithco on Twitter)

Officials pleased with lower numbers in homeless count

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