Lethbridge Stabilization Centre and Shelter. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Ottawa launches national “Point in Time” homeless count

Mar 2, 2021 | 3:31 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The federal government wants to get a better picture of the homeless situation throughout the country.

They are launching Everyone Counts 2021, a nationally coordinated Point-in-Time (PiT) Count of homelessness between March 1 and April 30, 2021.

PiT Counts involve counting the number of individuals and families who are staying in shelters, transitional housing, or who are sleeping outside.

It would include details like age, gender, racial or Indigenous identity, and veteran status.

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home,” says Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development Ahmed Hussen.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

“This year, the Point-in-Time Counts will give us insight into how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted homelessness in communities. They will allow us to find solutions that meet the needs and experiences of the homeless population, as we continue our work to end chronic homelessness across the country.”

The goal is to better identify the needs of people experiencing homelessness and better coordinate and deliver local, tailored supports.

All communities across Canada are invited to participate.

Preliminary results of the PiT Counts will be available mid-fall while a more complete picture is expected next spring.

The federal government has a goal to reduce “chronic homelessness” nationally by 50 per cent by 2027-28.