The municipality has completed the homeless enumeration from data collected on October 19th.
Chatham-Kent in partnership with volunteers from a range of organizations focused on combating the problem of homelessness including CMHA Lambton-Kent, the Women’s Centre, Access Open Minds and the Bluewater Methadone Clinic counted 161 individuals identified as being homeless on the night of October 19th.
The point in time count demonstrated a 144% increase from the last enumeration in 2018.
“When I compare the results to those of 2018, it is evident how much our community need has changed,” Tara Lauzon, Supervisor with Employment and Social Services says. “The information gathered last week will help to guide us in our next steps and hopefully demonstrate that we need more help, and more resources.”
Quick Facts from the Data Gathered:
- 149 people agreed to complete a survey on their experience of homelessness
- 60% spent the night in Emergency Housing/Motels
- 18 people spent the night outdoors
- 30 people spent the night at someone else’s place
- 79 people reported being homeless for more than six months in the last year
- 34 people self-identified as First Nation or Métis
- 50 people reported having health challenges at this time
- 70% of respondents reported that the cost of housing is the largest barrier that they face
- 2021 average market rent is $1050 per month for a one bedroom unit. This does not include utilities.