Homeless count survey shows increase of those in Prince Rupert looking for a place to live

The results of a province wide count of the homeless earlier this year provides a glimpse into the state of affairs for at least 146 residents of Prince Rupert, a number which represents the volume of those without a home, the 2023 count a spike from the 118 that were in the same situation two years ago.

The local count was coordinated locally by the North Coast Transition  Society, taking place in April of this year its findings providing a snapshot for the community of what homelessness looks like and what conditions led towards it.

From the survey count of April, the largest group of those in need of shelter is adults from 25-54 which made up the largest percentage at 45%.

The next group in the homeless category was Seniors with 28% considered homeless, Youth, those under 25 which accounted for 26%. 

From the three groupings  60% of those homeless are men, 37% women with 3% of another gender identity.

Other findings from the survey noted that 88 percent of the homeless in Prince Rupert were of Indigenous background, 94 precent of those surveyed observed that had lived or had generational experience from Residential schooling.

The survey also outlined the reasons for homelessness in the community from lack of income, substance use issues, conflicts with landlords or conflict with spouses or family members.

Below is a snapshot of the survey.

click to enlarge

Ravi Kahlon, the Minister of Housing in British Columbia noted of the increase in the province's' vulnerable population that the survey outlined.

“The results of these counts reinforce our belief that more needs to be done to help the most vulnerable members of our communities. Because of global inflation cities across North America are seeing an increase in vulnerable populations. 

Through our new Belonging in BC homelessness plan, we’re creating the kinds of safe, secure homes and supports that are necessary to break the cycle of homelessness. 

While the plan was only introduced this past spring, we’ve started to implement it immediately in order to build a stronger B.C. for everyone by helping those struggling to stabilize their lives.”

The data from this count and others conducted across the province will be included in a provincial summary planned for release in fall 2023.

More on the Provincial survey is available here

The Prince Rupert Specific report can be reviewed here. it expands on the snapshot noted above.

Of the four Northwest communities surveyed in the homeless count, Terrace presently has the largest homeless population with 156 counted this year, Smithers was third overall in the region with 57 homeless residents while Kitimat recorded 55 homeless residents in the 2023 count.

For a view of the situation around the Northwest, similar reports for Kitimat, Terrace and Smithers can be accessed here.

Our notes on Housing in the Northwest can be reviewed here.

More notes from the BC Legislature can be explored through our Legislature Archive page.