Winnipeg’s upcoming street census will feature significant changes due to concerns about the accuracy of recent counts. Past censuses, conducted roughly every two years, relied heavily on volunteers. However, the 2022 survey saw a drop in volunteers from 300 to 160 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially skewing results. The 2022 census recorded around 1,250 homeless individuals, a decrease from over 1,500 in 2015.
This year, End Homelessness Winnipeg plans to recruit about 100 volunteers but will also work with community outreach teams to improve coverage. The federal government is extending the count period to up to 30 days to enhance accuracy, though Winnipeg will aim to complete it in about four days to avoid duplication. Key issues from previous surveys include underestimating newcomers, refugees, and “hidden homelessness,” such as people couch surfing. The 2022 census also likely missed a significant number of individuals transitioning from government institutions.
Elijah Osei-Yeboah from End Homelessness Winnipeg and Cheryl Forchuk, a homelessness researcher, stress the importance of accurate counts for effective strategy development and funding. The 2022 census highlighted a substantial over-representation of Indigenous individuals in Winnipeg’s homeless population, underscoring the need for targeted housing investments and support services. Despite efforts to refine census methods, Forchuk notes that some individuals will always be missed due to their transient or concealed homelessness. Osei-Yeboah hopes the updated methodology will eventually allow for clearer trend analysis and better support for those experiencing homelessness.
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