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Comox Valley Point in Time Count
Report September 2016
Conducted by Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness
In Partnership with United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island
Information about the Coalition: www.cvhousing.ca Contact the Coalition: [email protected]
Table of Contents Executive Summary 1 Introduction 4 Methodology 4
Surveys 5 Fixed Sites 5 Magnet Event 6 Additional Surveying 6
Findings - PiT Count April 12th, 2016 7 Family Members 7 Gender and Age 7 Indigenous Heritage 8 Time in the Comox Valley 9 Communities People Have Moved Here from 10 Chronic Homelessness 11 Episodic Homelessness 11 Age First Became Homeless 12 Reasons for Becoming Homeless 13 Source of Income 14 Level of Education 15 Foster Care 15 Community Services Accessed in the Comox Valley 16 Preferred Housing Situation 17 Barriers to Housing 18 Drop-in Center Participation 19 Needed Drop-in Center Services 20
Findings – April 13th-April 19th, 2016 21 Gender and Age 21 Indigenous Heritage 22 Time in the Comox Valley 22 Communities People Have Moved Here from 23 Chronic Homelessness 23 Episodic Homelessness 24 Age First Became Homeless 24 Reasons for Becoming Homeless 25 Source of Income 25 Level of Education 26 Foster Care 26 Preferred Housing Situation 27 Barriers to Housing 27 Drop-in Center Participation 28 Summary 28 Appendix A – Survey 31
1
Executive Summary In 2016, the Government of Canada conducted a nation-wide Point in Time Count (PiT Count) to look at homelessness trends across Canada for the first time. Information gained through the count is used to identify themes, challenges and characteristics of homelessness across the country and helps to inform service needs at a local, provincial and federal level. The PiT Count is intended to provide a snapshot of the minimum number of people who are homeless in a community over one 24-hour period. The Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness, in partnership with United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island, participated in this count in the Comox Valley on April 12th, 2016 using the National PiT Count methodology. The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness (2012) defines absolute homelessness as individuals who are living in public spaces, emergency shelters or public facilities who do not have a stable residence to return to. Hidden or provisional homelessness includes those who are living in temporary accommodations, time-limited housing or whose tenancy is to be terminated. The Comox Valley survey (Appendix A) consisted of:
5 screening questions 12 questions from the National Database
6 additional questions that expanded on the 12 core questions 7 Canadian Observatory of Homelessness questions 3 Local questions (community specific interests)
Surveys were conducted at fixed sites throughout the community, in various unsheltered locations where people are known to sleep, and at an event at a local church lunch club. In addition to the 24-hour count, surveys were conducted at fixed site locations over the week of April 13th – April 19th with the intention of gathering more information on those experiencing homelessness in the Comox Valley. A total of 157 homeless (70 absolute homeless and 87 hidden homeless) were surveyed in the Comox Valley. The following survey findings combine data from the 24 hour and the week-long PiT count.
Survey Findings
Most (71%) of the people surveyed in the Comox Valley are alone without family support.
There are a significant number of women who are homeless in the Comox Valley.
Of the people surveyed 57% were female and 42% were male. “I became homeless with a child and was forced to place my child for adoption.” – Female, 45.
2
58% of those surveyed were between the ages of 18 and 44.
Homelessness starts at a young age. 31% surveyed became homeless under the age of 27 and 26% of respondents had been in the foster care system.
66% of people surveyed had completed high school or had some post-secondary
education.
Indigenous people are overrepresented among homeless populations. (42%) of respondents indicated an Indigenous heritage whereas Census figures show only 5% of the region’s population is Indigenous.
The majority (66%) of those surveyed came from the local area and had lived in
the Comox Valley for more than a year. Most who moved to the valley in the last year came from other areas of Vancouver Island.
People want permanent independent housing. 65% of respondents said they
would like to live independently in a small house (under 350sq. feet) or a small apartment. “The place I’m living in now has poor maintenance. It’s unsafe and dirty.” - Female, 66.
“I’d say my apartment is unfit for human habitation.” – Female, 55.
Most are not homeless by choice. Only 2 people said they did not want a home.
“My parents died and I was unable to afford the house on my own.” – Male, 46.
“The hospitalization of my partner in Victoria caused me to lose my house.” Female, 45.
People become homeless for a variety of reasons: evictions and landlord/co-
tenant conflict (30%), family conflict (19%), addiction and substance use (17%), illness (13%), job loss (12%) domestic abuse (11%), unsafe housing (8%).
Note: People surveyed could give more than one reason. “Being unemployed is keeping me from finding a home.” - Male, 48.
“It’s harder to find a place to live that allows kids.” - Female, 30.
Employed people are homeless in the Comox Valley. 13% of those surveyed were employed while 41% were on Income Assistance and 33% were on Disability Assistance. 8% had no income at all. “I have difficulties making ends meet. There is just not enough full time hours of work.” – Male, 48.
People cited low incomes, high rents and lack of affordable, suitable and available housing as the major barriers to them being able to find housing. “My house has no heat or hot water. I can’t afford it.” – Female, 55
3
“There’s a lack of jobs and I can’t afford to keep paying $1000 in rent right now” – Male, 29. “I experienced age discrimination when I tried to find housing.” Female, 57.
People who are homeless need services to help them address food security (food banks and soup kitchens), addictions and substance use issues, mental health issues, serious medical conditions, as well as trauma counseling and legal advocacy.
People who are homeless want drop-in services. 69% said they would attend a drop-in centre. The services they are looking for at a drop-in centre include laundry, shower facilities and lockers, access to phones, access to meals and common meal preparation, access to health care, general counseling and legal help, access to exercise and group support. “I want a safe drop-in. Something safe for families, and families with addiction issues, there is a lot of stigma around mothering and substance abuse!” – Female, 45.
The information gathered from this survey provides valuable information to inform the Coalition’s five-year plan regarding needed support services and housing in the valley. The findings will also help all levels of government and community agencies continue to plan and provide supports for people who are homeless in our community. The Coalition and the United Way recognize the count underrepresents the actual number of homeless in our community. This is expected the first time a community uses the nationally developed methodology. Through conducting this PiT count the Coalition has learned how to better survey those who are homeless and as we continue to do counts on a bi-annual basis we can build strengthened capacity for conducting the count, further involve community partners and identify trends over subsequent years to build a more comprehensive picture of homelessness at the local level.
4
Introduction In 2016, the Government of Canada conducted a nation-wide Point in Time Count (PiT Count) to look at homelessness trends across Canada for the first time. Information gained through the count is used to identify themes, challenges and characteristics of homelessness across the country and helps to inform service needs at a local, provincial and federal level. The PiT Count is intended to provide a snapshot of the minimum number of people who are homeless in a community over one 24-hour period. The Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness, in partnership with United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island, participated in this count in the Comox Valley on April 12th, 2016 using the National PiT Count methodology.
Methodology The methodology for the PiT Count is intended to capture the number of people who are experiencing “absolute” homelessness over a 24-hour period. This method is not intended to provide a count of the entire homeless population in a community, and often underrepresents the actual number of homeless in the community as the population is ever changing due to varying factors. This is especially true for the first time a community such as the Comox Valley uses the nationally developed methodology. Communities learn
what works and what doesn’t work in their specific context. Each year the PiT Count is done in a community the capacity to effectively use this method is increased.
The methodology has some limitations in that ‘absolute’ homelessness is targeted meaning those experiencing ‘hidden’ homelessness are often not captured. The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness (2012) defines variations of homelessness as the following: Absolute Homelessness: Individuals who are living in public spaces, emergency shelters or public facilities who do not have a stable residence to return to.
“I don’t like living on the streets. I don’t feel safe there” - Male, 35
Unsheltered: This includes people who lack housing and are not accessing emergency shelters or accommodation, except during extreme weather conditions. In most cases, people are staying in places that are not designed for or fit for human habitation. a. People living in public or private spaces without consent or contract b. People living in places not intended for permanent human habitation
Emergency Sheltered: This refers to people who, because they cannot secure
permanent housing, are accessing emergency shelter and system supports, generally provided at no cost or minimal cost to the user. Such accommodation represents a
stop-gap institutional response to homelessness provided by government, non-profits, faith based organizations and / or volunteers.
5
Hidden or Provisional Homelessness: includes those who are living in temporary accommodations, time-limited housing or whose tenancy is to be terminated. This describes situations in which people, who are technically homeless and without permanent shelter, access accommodation that offers no prospect of permanence. Those who are provisionally accommodated may be accessing temporary housing provided by government or the non-profit sector, or may have independently made arrangements for short-term accommodation.
“The place I’m crashing at has poor maintenance. It’s unsafe and it’s really dirty.” – Female, 55.
In order to try to capture hidden forms of homelessness the Coalition decided to continue to collect data from April 13th-April 19th, 2016. Several shelters and agencies volunteered their time and efforts to collect surveys throughout the week. Participation in the survey was entirely voluntary and there were people who are homeless in the Comox Valley who chose not to participate.
Surveys Standard surveys are provided by the Government of Canada that include 12 core questions every community using the PiT Count methodology must use. Using these 12 core questions in every community allows for the federal government to draw on and analyze emerging themes that can help to inform funding for programs to support people
who experience homelessness. In addition to the 12 core questions, the Federal Government also provided communities with the opportunity to include supplemental questions in their surveys (known as Canadian Observatory of Homelessness/ COH questions). The addition of these questions aren’t analyzed by the Federal Government, but can be used to help communities gain important additional information to inform their programming at a local level. Furthermore, some communities wanted to gather information on community specific interests and were given the option to craft and include questions of their own.
The Comox Valley survey (see Appendix A) consisted of:
5 screening questions 12 questions from the National Database 6 additional questions that expanded on the 12 core questions 7 Canadian Observatory of Homelessness questions 3 Local questions (community specific interests)
Fixed Sites During a 24-hour period, surveys were conducted at 10 fixed sites and a magnet event throughout the Comox Valley and in various unsheltered locations where people are known to sleep. The fixed sites included:
6
Sheltered Salvation Army Pidcock House Lilli House Amethyst House Comox Valley Recovery Center
Unsheltered Transition Society Luncheon Island Health Mental Health and Substance Use Salvation Army Family Services Wachiay Friendship Centre Comox Valley Brain Injury Society
Maple Pool Campground
Magnet Event
A magnet event was held with the intention of drawing in people who are homeless for the purpose of surveying them. This event was held at St. Georges United Church during the Sonshine Lunch Club soup kitchen. As the Comox Valley did not receive any federal funding for the PiT Count, this year the event was successful through the commitment of volunteers and the generosity of the United Way who provided some funding for the event. In addition, St. George’s Church and the Salvation Army soup kitchen provided the venue and donations from community groups and businesses such as; the Bay Care
Society Care-a-Van, the Cumberland Village Bakery, World Community Coffee, Subway, The Cumberland Homelessness and Affordable Housing Select Committee, Wachiay Friendship Center, and the Everybody Deserves a Smile supported the event.
Additional Surveying Surveys were also conducted at fixed site locations from April 13th – April 19th, 2016 to gather even more information from those experiencing homelessness in the Comox Valley. The fixed site locations for the additional surveys were: Sheltered
Salvation Army Pidcock House Lilli House Amethyst House Comox Valley Recovery Center
Unsheltered Transition Society Island Health Mental Health and Substance Use Salvation Army Family Services Wachiay Friendship Centre Comox Valley Brain Injury Society Maple Pool Campground Comox Valley Family Services
7
Comox Valley Nursing Center AIDS Vancouver Island Dawn 2 Dawn Action on Homelessness Society Comox Bay Care Society
Findings – PiT Count - April 12th, 2016 The following are the findings from the 101 surveys (60 absolute homeless and 41 hidden homeless) collected on April 12, 2016. Please note: Figure 14: Services used by individuals and Figure 18: Specific drop-in center services and the number of people who would access them combines data from the April 12th and surveys collected throughout the week.
Family Members: A family member could include someone from his or her immediate family, a partner or a child. 72% of respondents were alone without family support. Figure 1: Family Members (April 12)
Gender and Age There was an even split between male and females with 1% identifying as transgender Figure 2: Percentages of Gender (April 12)
Alone72%
With a family member
22%
Decline to answer1%
Unclear response5%
WHAT FAMILY MEMBERS ARE WITH YOU?
Female48%Male
49%
Transgender1% Unclear/ …
WHAT GENDER DO YOU IDENTIFY WITH?
8
Gender and Age (continued) 25% of respondents were in the 25-34 age group and 23% were in the 45-54 age group. This graph provides a breakdown of males, females, and transgender persons according to their age.
Figure 3: Percent of Males, Females, Transgender persons by age (April 12)
Indigenous Heritage A total of 43 respondents identified as having some indigenous heritage and 56 identified as being Non-Aboriginal.
Figure 4: Indigenous Heritage (April 12)
46%
32%
47%
59%64%
100%
33%
54%
64%
53%
41%36%
0%
67%
0%4%
0% 0% 0% 0% 0%0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-67 68+
Female Male Transgender
1%
1%
2%
7%
12%
22%
55%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
DECLINE TO ANSWER
UNCLEAR/BLANK RESPONSE
INUIT
METIS
NON-STATUS/HAVE ABORIGINAL ANCESTRY
FIRST NATIONS
NOT ABORIGINAL
9
Indigenous Communities Participants who identified as having Indigenous heritage were asked an open question about which community/reserve/band they originated from. The communities/ reserves/ bands that were identified are:
Anishanabe Good Fish Lake Cree Saikuz Quatsino Namgis, Alert Bay Ucluelet Ahoushat Musqueam
Dene, Fort Good Hope Gitskam Shushwap Thunder Child, Saskatchewan Port Alberni Mamallaca Kyuquot Sucker Creek Band Kingcome
Time in the Comox Valley Individuals surveyed were asked if they had moved to the Comox Valley in the past year. Of the 101 people surveyed, 31 answered yes and 67 answered no revealing that the majority of our homeless population consists of people who have been living in the Comox Valley for some time.
Figure 5: Percent Moved to the Comox Valley in the Past Year (April 12)
31%
66%
1% 2%
Did you move to the Comox Valley in the past year?
Yes
No
Decline to answer
Unclear/Blank
10
Communities People Moved From Individuals who responded yes to moving to the Comox Valley in the past year were also asked to identify the communities they had moved here from. Respondents identified a total of 18 communities. 12 of the 18 communities are located on Vancouver Island, 3 were in BC, and 3 were outside BC.
Figure 6: Communities People Moved from (April 12)
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
4
0 1 2 3 4 5
SASKATOON
REGINA
FORT ST. JOHN
VANCOUVER
CHILLIWACK
VICTORIA
MILL BAY
DUNCAN
GABRIOLA
PARKSVILLE
COOMBS
AHOUSAHT
PORT HARDY
DECLINE TO ANSWER
PORT ALBERNI
TOFINO
ALBERTA
NANAIMO
CAMPBELL RIVER
Communities People Moved From
Number of People
11
Chronic Homelessness Survey participants were asked to identify the times they have been homeless. 28% of people had been homeless for six or more months and 35% of people had been homeless for up to two months.
Figure 7: Chronic Homelessness (April 12)
Episodic Homelessness When asked how many times participants had been homeless in the last year 34% identified as having been homeless at least once and 27% of people identified as having been homeless 3 or more times.
Figure 8: Episodic Homelessness (April 12)
Don't Know1%
Decline to Answer6%
0-2 months34%
3-5 months…
6+ months28%
Unclear/Left Blank13%
OVER THE PAST YEAR, HOW MUCH OF THE TIME HAVE YOU BEEN HOMELESS?
Don’t Know1% Left Blank
20%
Decline to Answer7%
1 Time33%
2 Times12%
3+ Times27%
OVER THE PAST YEAR, HOW MANY DIFFERENT TIMES HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED
HOMELESSNESS?
12
Age Participants First Became Homeless Participants who identified as being homeless were asked at what age they first became homeless in their lifetime. 21 first became homeless between the ages of 19-27 and 17 people became homeless between the ages of 10-18.
Figure 9: Number of People at Each Age When They Became Homeless (April 12)
1
3
5
8 8
11
12
15
17
21
0
5
10
15
20
25
How old were you when you first became homeless in your life?
13
Reasons for Becoming Homeless Respondents were asked to identify the reason that caused them to lose their housing most recently. They were able to choose as many answers as applied to them from a list. Participants acknowledged the primary reasons for their most recent housing loss as being from addictions and substance use (20%), and from family conflict between a spouse/partner (19%).
Figure 10: Reasons for Becoming Homeless and Percent Who Identified (April 12)
0%
0%
2%
3.96%
4.95%
5.94%
5.94%
5.94%
6.93%
8.91%
9.90%
10.89%
11.88%
11.88%
12.87%
13.86%
18.81%
19.80%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%
DOMESTIC ABUSE: PARENT OR GUARDIAN
LEFT CARE (CHILD PROTECTION)
DON'T KNOW
OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES
INCARCERATED (JAIL OR PRISON)
DECLINE TO ANSWER
FAMILY CONFLICT: PARENT OR GUARDIAN
HOSPITALIZATION OR TREATMENT PROGRAM
CONFLICT WITH LANDLORD OR CO-TENANT
UNCLEAR/BLANK RESPONSE
UNSAFE HOUSING CONDITIONS
JOB LOSS
ILLNESS OR MEDICAL CONDITION
EVICTED: UNABLE TO PAY RENT
EVICTED: OTHER REASON
DOMESTIC ABUSE: SPOUSE OR PARTNER
FAMILY CONFLICT: SPOUSE OR PARTNER
ADDICTION OR SUBSTANCE USE
14
Sources of Income Participants were asked what their main source of income was. The top three sources of income, in order, were income assistance (41%), disability benefits (32%), and employment (13%).
Figure 11: Percent of Participants and Their Sources of Income (April 12)
0%
0%
0.99%
1.98%
2.97%
3.96%
3.96%
5.94%
7.92%
12.87%
31.68%
40.59%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%
CHILD AND FAMILY TAX BENEFIT
MONEY FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS
DECLINE TO ANSWER
UNCLEAR/LEFT BLANK
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
INFORMAL/SELF EMPLOYMENT
OTHER SOURCE
SENIORS BENEFIT (CPP/OAS/GIS)
NO INCOME
EMPLOYMENT
DISABILITY BENEFIT
WELFARE/INCOME ASSISTANCE
Where do you get your money from?
15
Level of Education Survey participants were asked what their highest level of education was. 36 identified as having finished high school and 32 identified as having some form of post-secondary education. Figure 12: Percent of Participants and Their Highest Education Levels (April 12)
Foster Care Participants were asked whether they had ever been in foster care. 28 had previously been in foster care at some point in their lifetime. Figure 13: Number of Participants who have been in Foster Care (April 12)
Primary School3%
Secondary School22%
High School35%
Post Secondary School32%
Decline to Answer
6%
Blank2%
HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION
28
63
5 5
NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN IN
FOSTER CARE
Yes
No
Unclear/LeftBlank
Decline toAnswer
16
Community Services Accessed in the Comox Valley Participants were asked if they had a need for services related to the items listed in the graph below. Respondents were allowed to pick as many of the answers as applied to them. In this graph, data from April 13th-19th is included.
Figure 14: Services used by individuals (April 12 and April 13-19)
2
3
3
8
15
17
22
22
28
28
32
33
44
44
45
63
69
7
2
9
2
6
8
3
15
15
15
14
13
15
16
13
23
45
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
PREGNANCY
DECLINE TO ANSWER
UNCLEAR/LEFT BLANK
FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER
BRAIN INJURY
CRISIS LINE
LEARNING DISABILITY
ABUSE/VIOLENCE IN THE RELATIONSHIP
PHYSICAL DISABILITY
TRANSITION SOCIETY LUNCH
LEGAL ADVOCACY
SERIOUS OR ONGOING MEDICAL CONDITION
MENTAL ILLNESS
TRAUMA COUNSELING
ADDICTION OR SUBSTANCE USE
SOUP KITCHEN
FOOD BANK
Service Use
Over the week April 12th
17
Preferred Housing Respondents were given a list of housing options and asked to identify which kind of housing they would require. Respondents were allowed to identify as many of the options as they found suitable. 34% would like to live independently in an apartment setting, 28% would like to live independently in a 350 sq. ft. small house, and 8% would like to live either in an apartment or house setting with supports on site.
Figure 15: Percent of people and preferred housing (April 12)
Small House [350 sq. ft.]
Independent Living28%
Small House Living with
Supports on Site8%
Small House with Meals Provided
6%
Apartment Living Independently
34%
Apartment with Supports on Site
8%
Apartment with Support Worker
4%
In a House with Four People
Sharing a Common Area
4%
Decline to Answer
1%
Unclear/Left Blank
7%
HOUSING PREFERRED
18
Barriers to Acquiring Housing Participants were asked to identify from a list, what they thought was keeping them from finding housing. Participants were encouraged to select all answers that applied. 80 people recognized their income being too low as a barrier to finding adequate housing, 58 people identified with rent being too high, and 52 people agreed that there was a general lack of affordable, suitable and available housing.
Figure 16: Barriers to housing (April 12)
0
1
3
5
5
7
11
12
15
16
16
19
21
22
24
29
29
52
58
80
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
NO BARRIERS TO HOUSING
DON'T WANT HOUSING
DECLINE TO ANSWER
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
UNCLEAR/LEFT BLANK
CRIMINAL HISTORY
CHILDREN
PETS
FAMILY BREAKDOWN/CONFLICT
NO INCOME ASSISTANCE
HEALTH/DISABILITY ISSUES
DISCRIMINATION
ADDICTIONS
POOR HOUSING CONDITIONS
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
LACK OF REFERENCES
CREDIT ISSUES
LACK OF AFFORDABLE/SUITABLE/AVAILABLE HOUSING
RENTS TOO HIGH
LOW INCOME
Barriers to Housing
19
Drop-in Center Participation Respondents were asked if they would be interested in attending a drop-in center in the Comox Valley. 76% responded that they would attend a drop-in center if there were one available. 14% responded that they would not attend a drop-in center.
Figure 17: Percent of people who would attend a drop-in center (April 12)
Yes76%
No14%
Decline to Answer
2%
Unclear/Blank Response
6%
Don't Know2%
WOULD YOU ATTEND A DROP-IN CENTER?
20
Needed Drop-in Center Services Participants who would like to attend a drop-in center were asked to identify from a list, which services they would like to access. Laundry facilities, access to phones, and access to healthcare professionals were identified the most times as preferred services. Showers, prepared meals, and general counseling were identified as the next most preferred services. (This graph also includes data from April 13-19) Figure 18: Specific drop-in center services and the number of people who would access them (April 12 and April 13-19)
1
15
16
18
26
34
38
38
39
40
41
47
49
53
53
57
0
8
8
26
5
14
16
9
8
14
14
15
18
21
18
22
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
DECLINE TO ANSWER
PARENTING COUNSELING
CHILDCARE TO ATTEND APPOINTMENTS
UNCLEAR/LEFT BLANK
ACCESS TO LITERACY SERVICES
MEALS PREPARED TOGETHER
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT AND CLASSES
GROUP SUPPORT
LOCKERS
ACCESS TO LEGAL HELP
GENERAL COUNSELING
PREPARED MEALS
SHOWERS
ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
ACCESS TO PHONES
LAUNDRY FACILITIES
Drop-in Center Services
Over the Week April 12th
21
Findings – April 13th-19th, 2016
The following are the findings from the 56 (10 absolute homeless and 46 hidden homeless) surveys collected between April 13th and April 19th, 2016.
Gender and Age In this sample 71% of respondents were female and 32% were male.
Figure 19: Gender (April 13-19)
Gender and Age (continued) 25% of respondents were in the 25-34 age group and 25% were in the 45-54 age group.
Figure 20: Age (April 13-19)
Male32%
Female71%
GENDER
0
0
1
7
9
13
14
14
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
65-67
68+
DECLINE TO ANSWER
18-24
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
How old are you?
22
Indigenous Heritage 41% of respondents identified as having some indigenous heritage.
Figure 21: Indigenous heritage (April 13-19)
Time in the Comox Valley 66% of respondents had lived in the Comox Valley for over a year and 32% had arrived in the last year. The majority of people who had arrived in the last year moved from other nearby communities on Vancouver Island. One respondent had moved from the Lower Mainland and 5 people had moved from Alberta. Similar to the April 12th data, the majority of people who are homeless in the Comox Valley are from the local area.
Figure 22: Time lived in Comox Valley (April 13-19)
8
11
4
01
4
30
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
First Nations Non-Status Metis Inuit Don't Know Unclear/Leftblank
NotIndigenous
Indigenous heritage
Yes32%
No66%
Unclear/Left Blank
2%
HAVE YOU MOVED TO THE COMOX VALLEY IN THE PAST YEAR?
23
Time in the Comox Valley (continued)
Figure 23: Communities people moved from (April 13-19)
Chronic Homelessness 48% of respondents said they had been homeless for under 2 months and 16% of respondents said they had been homeless for over 6 months.
Figure 24: Chronic Homelessness (April 13-19)
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
3
4
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5
COOMBS
NANAIMO
PARKSVILLE
PORT ALBERNI
SURREY
VICTORIA
CAMPBELL RIVER
EDMONTON
ALBERTA
Communities people moved from
0-2 months48%
3-5 months12%
6-12 months16%
Unclear/left blank21%
Decline to answer
1%
Don't know2%
CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS
24
Episodic Homelessness 32% of respondents said they had only been homeless once while 14% said they had been homeless twice and 7% said they had been homeless 3 times.
Figure 25: Episodic Homelessness (April 13-19)
Age Participants First Became Homeless 12% of participants first became homeless between the ages of 11 and 17. 9-11% first became homeless between the ages of 18 and 44.
Figure 26: Age first became homeless (April 13-19)
0 times16%
1 time32%
2 times14%
3+ times7%
Unclear/left blank26%
Decline to answer
2%
Don't know3%
EPISODIC HOMELESSNESS
75 5
6
32
26
3
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
11 to 17 18 to 24 25 to 34 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 64 Unclear/leftblank
Decline toanswer
Age first became homeless
25
Reason for Homelessness Similar to the April 12th data, the leading reasons for becoming homeless include job loss (14 %), addiction and substance use (12%) and eviction due to being unable to pay rent or other reasons (20%).
Figure 27: Reason for homelessness (April 13-19)
Source of Income 41% of respondents relied on Income Assistance, 34% were on a disability pension and 14% were employed. 9% had no income whatsoever.
Figure 28: Source of income (April 13-19)
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
2
3
4
5
5
5
6
6
7
8
19
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
DECLINE TO ANSWER
DOMESTIC ABUSE: PARENT OR GUARDIAN
DON'T KNOW
HOSPITALIZATION OR TREATMENT PROGRAM
INCARCERATED (JAIL OR PRISON)
FAMILY CONFLICT: PARENT OR GUARDIAN
LEFT CARE (CHILD PROTECTION)
UNSAFE HOUSING CONDITIONS
ILLNESS OR MEDICAL CONDITION
DOMESTIC ABUSE: SPOUSE OR PARTNER
EVICTED: OTHER REASON
FAMILY CONFLICT: SPOUSE OR PARTNER
OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES
CONFLICT WITH LANDLORD OR CO-TENANT
EVICTED: UNABLE TO PAY RENT
ADDICTION OR SUBSTANCE USE
JOB LOSS
UNCLEAR/BLANK RESPONSE
Ax
is T
itle
Reasons for Homelessness
001222
55
819
23
0 5 10 15 20 25
INFORMAL/SELF EMPLOYMENTDECLINE TO ANSWER
OTHER SOURCESENIORS BENEFIT (CPP/OAS/GIS)
CHILD AND FAMILY TAX BENEFITSMONEY FROM FAMILY/FRIENDS
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCENO INCOME
EMPLOYMENTDISABILITY BENEFIT
WELFARE/INCOME ASSISTANCE
Source of income
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Level of Education 37% of respondents had completed high school and 28% had done some post-secondary education.
Figure 29: Level of education (April 13-19)
Foster Care 23% of respondents had been in the foster care system.
Figure 30: Foster Care (April 13-19)
Primary School2%
Secondary School24%
High School37%
Post Secondary School
28%
Unclear/left blank
9%
LEVEL OF EDUCATION
Yes23%
No66%
Unclear/left blank10%
Don't know1%
FOSTER CARE
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Preferred Housing Similar to respondents who answered the survey on April 12th, 30% of participants would like to live independently in an apartment setting, 43% would like to live independently in a 350 sq. ft. small house, and 4% would like to live either in an apartment or small house setting with supports on site.
Figure 31: Preferred housing (April 13-19)
Barriers to Acquiring Housing The results on this question mirrored the results from 24-hour count. 31 people identified with their income being too low as a barrier to finding adequate housing, 28 people identified with rent being too high, and 23 people agreed that there was a general lack of affordable, suitable and available housing
Figure 32: Barriers to housing (April 13-19)
Small house [350 sq ft] independent living
43%
Apartment living independently
30%
Apartment with supports on site
4%
Apartment with support worker
1%
In a house with four people
sharing common areas…
Unclear/left blank21%
PREFERRED HOUSING
011
4444
566
77
910
1112
1623
2831
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
NO BARRIERS TO HOUSING
DECLINE TO ANSWER
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
CRIMINAL HISTORY
ADDICTION
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
POOR HOUSING CONDITIONS
PETS
UNCLEAR/LEFT BLANK
RENTS TOO HIGH
Barriers to housing
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Drop-in Center Participation The majority of respondents (57%) said they would attend a drop-in centre. The services they are interested in at a drop in centre are shown on figure 26.
Figure 33: Drop-in Centre participation (April 13-19) Summary A total of 157 homeless (70 absolute homeless and 87 hidden homeless) were surveyed in the Comox Valley. The following survey findings combine data from the 24 hour and the week-long PiT count.
Survey Findings
Most (71%) of the people surveyed in the Comox Valley are alone without family support.
There are a significant number of women who are homeless in the Comox Valley. Of
the people surveyed 57% were female and 42% were male. “I became homeless with a child and was forced to place my child for adoption.” – Female, 45.
58% of those surveyed were between the ages of 18 and 44.
Homelessness starts at a young age. 31% surveyed became homeless under the age of 27 and 26% of respondents had been in the foster care system.
66% of people surveyed had completed high school or had some post-secondary
education.
Yes57%No
29%
Unclear/left blank12%
Don't know2%
DROP-IN CENTRE PARTICIPATION
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Indigenous people are overrepresented among homeless populations. 42% of respondents indicated an Indigenous heritage whereas Census figures show only 5% of the region’s population is Indigenous.
The majority (66%) of those surveyed came from the local area and had lived in the
Comox Valley for more than a year. Most who moved to the valley in the last year came from other areas of Vancouver Island.
People want permanent independent housing. 65% of respondents said they would
like to live independently in a small house (under 350sq. feet) or a small apartment. “The place I’m living in now has poor maintenance. It’s unsafe and dirty.” – Female, 66.
“I’d say my apartment is unfit for human habitation.” – Female, 55.
Most are not homeless by choice. Only 2 people said they did not want a home.
“My parents died and I was unable to afford the house on my own.” – Male, 46.
“The hospitalization of my partner in Victoria caused me to lose my house.” Female, 45.
People become homeless for a variety of reasons: evictions and landlord/co-tenant conflict (30%), family conflict (19%), addiction and substance use (17%), illness (13%), job loss (12%) domestic abuse (11%), unsafe housing (8%).
Note: People surveyed could give more than one reason. “Being unemployed is keeping me from finding a home.” - Male, 48.
“It’s harder to find a place to live that allows kids.” - Female, 30.
Employed people are homeless in the Comox Valley. 13% of those surveyed were employed while 41% were on Income Assistance and 33% were on Disability Assistance. 8% had no income at all. “I have difficulties making ends meet. There is just not enough full time hours of work.” – Male, 48.
People cited low incomes, high rents and lack of affordable, suitable and available
housing as the major barriers to them being able to find housing. “My house has no heat or hot water. I can’t afford it.” – Female, 55.
“There’s a lack of jobs and I can’t afford to keep paying $1000 in rent right now” – Male, 29. “I experienced age discrimination when I tried to find housing.” Female, 57.
People who are homeless need services to help them address food security (food banks and soup kitchens), addictions and substance use issues, mental health issues, serious medical conditions, as well as trauma counseling and legal advocacy.
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People who are homeless want drop-in services. 69% said they would attend a drop-in centre. The services they are looking for at a drop-in centre include laundry, shower facilities and lockers, access to phones, access to meals and common meal preparation, access to health care, general counseling and legal help, access to exercise and group support. “I want a safe drop-in. Something safe for families, and families with addiction issues, there is a lot of stigma around mothering and substance abuse!” – Female, 45.
The information gathered from this survey provides valuable information to inform the Coalition’s five-year plan regarding needed support services and housing in the valley. The findings will also help all levels of government and community agencies continue to plan and provide supports for people who are homeless in our community. The Coalition and the United Way recognize the count underrepresents the actual number of homeless in our community. This is expected the first time a community uses the nationally developed methodology. Through conducting this PiT count the Coalition has learned how to better survey those who are homeless and as we continue to do counts on a bi-annual basis we can build strengthened capacity for conducting the count, further involve community partners and identify trends over subsequent years to build a more comprehensive picture of homelessness at the local level.
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APPENDIX A Survey Tool
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