KAMLOOPS POINT-IN-TIME COUNT REPORT
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The City would like to thank everyone who contributed their time and expertise to the Kamloops 2024 Point-in-Time Count, including all the organizations and the volunteers who participated. Without the community’s support, the Kamloops Point-in-Time Count would not be possible. The City would also like to thank the individuals experiencing homelessness who took the time to share their personal stories with us. The City hopes that this report can add to the efforts to reduce homelessness in our region.
The project team and community partners included the following:
■ City of Kamloops
■ Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc
■ ASK Wellness Society
■ A Way Home Kamloops
■ BGC Kamloops
■ Canadian Mental Health Association Kamloops Branch
■ Interior Community Services
■ Interior Health
■ Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society
■ Kamloops and District Elizabeth Fry Society
■ Kamloops Community Meal Train
Funder: Reaching Home Program: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy
■ Kamloops Customer Care and Patrol Team (CAP Team)
■ Kamloops Regional Correctional Centre
■ Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
■ Moms Stop the Harm
■ Out of the Cold Shelter Society
■ PIT Stop Program
■ The Mustard Seed Kamloops
■ Thompson Rivers University School of Nursing and Faculty of Education and Social Work
Land Acknowledgment
The City of Kamloops occupies land that, since time immemorial, has been a place of great cultural and economic importance in our region. The City acknowledges that we are located on Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc territory, situated within the unceded ancestral lands of the Secwépemc Nation. We honour and respect the people, the territory, and the land that houses our community.
Susan Myles
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Kamloops’ 2024 Point-in-Time Count took place on October 17 and October 18, 2024.
Point-in-Time Counts provide a snapshot of the number of people experiencing homelessness within a community in a 24-hour period. The Point-in-Time Count serves two functions—to count the number of people experiencing homelessness in Kamloops over a specified period and to gather information on the demographics and service needs of the local population of unhoused individuals.
Funding for this initiative comes from the federal government’s Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy grant. As part of the Reaching Home agreement, communities participate in nationally coordinated pointin-time counts. The federal government’s goal is to have nationally coordinated surveys every three years across the 85 communities in Canada participating in Reaching Home. Data from the 2024 Point-in-Time Count will also inform the BC provincial count.
A strong community partnership is essential for a Point-in-Time Count to be successful. The City partnered with Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc and several agencies representing Kamloops’ homeless-serving sector. A Point-in-Time Committee was formed and played a key role in the project’s success. A group of 75 volunteers made up of outreach workers, shelter staff, social work and nursing students, people with lived experiences of homelessness, and others participated in the Kamloops Point-in-Time Count.
Data was provided from nine shelters, and surveys were completed throughout the community both on the Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc reserve and within the City of Kamloops. Surveys were conducted along various walking routes on streets, in parks, along riverbanks, and at three magnet events designed to encourage participation. During the 24-hour period, 313 individuals were counted and 236 surveys were completed. The information collected in these surveys will help guide decision makers, planners, and service providers in advocating for and developing programs and services that support our community’s most vulnerable.
The Point-in-Time Count methodology is representative of the number of people experiencing homelessness on a given day. It provides a baseline for understanding the most visible and often most vulnerable individuals in our community. The actual ongoing number of people experiencing homelessness is likely much greater. The information within this report should not be taken in isolation. Additional forms of data should be used to provide a more comprehensive understanding of homelessness in our community.
To improve data collection in 2024, volunteers tracked observed homelessness and individuals without a fixed address in public systems, such as the Royal Inland Hospital Emergency Department and Kamloops Regional Correctional Centre. While these additional data points are valuable in emphasizing the known limitations of a Point-in-Time Count, the data is not as reliable as selfreported information. It introduces the risk that someone could be counted more than once. For these reasons, and to preserve the integrity of the data, these new data inputs have not been included in the total enumeration reported; instead, they have been noted separately.
What is evident from the Point-in-Time data is that the causes of homelessness are a combination of structural factors, systems failures, and individual circumstances. The data highlights the impact of colonization and residential schools, showing how these factors have led to a higher number of Indigenous Peoples experiencing homelessness. The data also indicates that the systems set up to support vulnerable youth have significant gaps that negatively impact social and health outcomes for many young people. Our ongoing response to this crisis will require a sustained and intentional approach to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and a purposeful, proactive, and long-term plan to better support our youth.
PEOPLE EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS IN KAMLOOPS ON OCTOBER 17 & 18, 2024
+229%
INCREASE IN PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS 87%
OCCUPANCY IN SHELTERS ON OCTOBER 17, 2024 86% OF RESPONDENTS ARE CHRONICALLY HOMELESS
INDIGENOUS EXPERIENCE OF HOMELESSNESS
45% of respondents were in their youth (under 24 years of age) the first time they experienced homelessness of respondents identified as Indigenous of respondents have residential school experience of Indigenous respondents were in foster care or a youth group home of Indigenous respondents have experienced discrimination as a challenge when trying to find housing
SINCE 2021 THERE HAS BEEN A INCREASE IN SENIOR’S HOMELESSNESS
AGE OF RESPONDENTS
37% of respondents were in foster care or a youth group home
68% of respondents have always lived in Kamloops or have lived here for five or more years
80% SAID RENT WAS TOO HIGH TOP 3 BARRIERS TO HOUSING
78% SAID THEY HAD LOW INCOME
48% SAID THEY HAD ADDICTION ISSUES
INTRODUCTION
The Point-in-Time Count provides a snapshot of the number of people experiencing homelessness within a community in a 24-hour period. The Point-in-Time Count serves two functions—to count the number of people experiencing homelessness in Kamloops over a specified period and to gather information on the demographics and service needs of the local population of unhoused individuals.
Point-in-Time Counts have been conducted in Kamloops since the 2000s. The most recent count took place on October 17 and 18, 2024. A group of 75 volunteers made up of outreach workers, shelter staff, social work and nursing students, people with lived experiences of homelessness, and others participated in the 2024 Point-in-Time Count. Data was provided from nine shelters, and surveys were completed throughout the community both on the Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc reserve and within the City of
Kamloops. Surveys were conducted along various walking routes on streets, in parks, along riverbanks, and at three magnet events designed to encourage participation. During the 24-hour period, 313 individuals were counted and 236 surveys were completed. The information collected in these surveys will help guide decision makers, planners, and service providers in advocating for and developing programs and services that support our community’s most vulnerable.
BACKGROUND
DEFINITIONS OF HOMELESSNESS
The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness defines homelessness as “the situation of an individual, family or community without stable, safe, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it.” (Gaetz et al., 2017). This includes:
Sheltered Homelessness:
An individual stays in an emergency shelter, a transition house for women and children fleeing violence, or a safe house for youth.
Unsheltered Homelessness:
An individual has no physical shelter and is sleeping outdoors in parks, alleys, or makeshift shelters.
Hidden Homelessness:
An individual is couch-surfing or staying in a motel/hotel, hospital, or jail.
Chronic Homelessness:
An individual who has experienced homelessness for at least six months in the past year or has experienced 18 months of homelessness in the past three years.
FACTORS INFLUENCING HOMELESSNESS
In 2016, the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness estimated that 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness, and the number of Canadians who experience homelessness on any given night to be 35,000 people (Gaetz et al., 2016).
“Homelessness is the result of systemic or societal barriers, a lack of affordable and appropriate housing, the individual/household’s financial, mental, cognitive, behavioural or physical challenges, and/ or racism and discrimination. Most people do not choose to be homeless, and the experience is generally negative, unpleasant, unhealthy, unsafe, stressful and distressing.”(Gaetz et al., 2017).
Key structural factors influencing homelessness include poverty, access to affordable housing, access to health supports, and ongoing discrimination. Additionally, gaps exist within systems that support vulnerable populations, including the child welfare system, mental health and substance use services, and discharge planning for hospitals. Personal health circumstances, such as traumatic events, mental health problems, substance use disorder, physical disabilities, and relational issues, may also factor into someone’s likelihood of experiencing homelessness.
METHODOLOGY
The Point-in-Time Count is a commonly used methodology across Canada that aims to provide a snapshot of the number of people experiencing homelessness within a community in a 24-hour period.
Point-in-Time Counts provide a common language and comparable data sets for service providers, governments, and communities to use in planning. The year-over-year comparisons identify trends or changes in the number and type of people experiencing homelessness. The information gathered will contribute to the local, provincial, and national understanding of homelessness.
POINT-IN-TIME ENUMERATION
The Point-in-Time Count serves two functions—to count the number of people experiencing homelessness in Kamloops over a specified period, referred to as enumeration, and to gather information on the demographics and service needs of the local population of unhoused individuals through a survey.
Enumeration is derived from two components. The first is a shelter count provided by the staff at local shelter sites, which provides the total number of clients staying in sheltered locations on the night of the count. The second comes from the survey data, where individuals who indicated that they had stayed in an unsheltered location the previous night are also included in the enumeration. These individuals were reached by volunteers conducting surveys during the day following the shelter count.
In addition to the standard data collected as in previous years, two additional data sources were considered during the 2024 Point-in-Time count—observed homelessness and individuals staying in public systems.
Observed Homelessness
Observed homelessness is defined as those who appeared homeless but were unable or not willing to participate in the screening questions. Volunteers were instructed to identify individuals who were sleeping or lying down in an unsheltered location and had belongings with them, such as backpacks, garbage bags, shopping carts, sleeping bags, bedrolls, etc.
On October 18, 2024, 54 individuals were reported on the observed homelessness tally sheets. For an individual to be included on the tally sheet, volunteers were required to note the location and provide a description that explained the indicators of homelessness. An example of the tally sheets used by volunteers is in Appendix 2.
Public Systems
Public systems are institutional systems that are owned by or funded by the government (e.g. education, health care, and justice). In 2024, Kamloops collected new data to report on the number of people without permanent housing staying in public systems on the night of October 17. Data was collected from the Royal Inland Hospital Emergency Department and BC Corrections.
BC Corrections
The Performance, Research and Evaluation unit at BC Corrections provided data via administrative reports. The data was based on individuals in provincial custody between 8:00 pm on October 17 and 8:00 am on October 18 whose primary address in BC Corrections’ case management system was listed as Kamloops and the analysis of the housing address suggested a precarious or uncertain housing situation once released. Based on this dataset, it is estimated that 33 people in provincial custody met these criteria on October 17–18, 2024.
Interior Health - Royal Inland Hospital Emergency Department
The Interior Health Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit provided data for the 2024 Point-in-Time Count. Using internal systems, they extracted information that found between 8:00 pm on October 17 and 8:00 am on October 18, four individuals were in the Emergency Department with no fixed address or their address was at a shelter location.
Limitations of Additional Data
The information collected from both the observed homelessness tally sheets and public systems serves to provide a more comprehensive picture of homelessness in Kamloops. However, due to limitations in the data and to maintain consistency and comparability in the datasets from the previous year’s Point-in-Time Counts, the information has been shared, but will not be included in the number of individuals identified as part of the enumeration total.
■ The data cannot be verified as current by the individual, which affects its reliability.
■ The length of someone’s incarceration was not considered in the results, which could have an impact on the future likelihood that they would be considered unhoused once released.
■ For observed homelessness, there is potential for observer bias and risk of duplication.
INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT
Given the understanding that Indigenous Peoples have been overrepresented in previous Point-in-Time Counts in Kamloops, it was important that the City was intentional in its approach to engaging Indigenous organizations and First Nations leadership to help guide us on how the City connects with Indigenous Peoples and how the City possibly shares that information more broadly.
The City worked closely with the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society, which supports and facilitates various programs for Kamloops’ urban Indigenous population. Members of their organization sat on the Point-in-Time Committee, providing input on all aspects of the project. Additionally, the organization took a lead role in hosting a magnet event, which included various cultural activities and supports aimed at encouraging Indigenous individuals to participate in the surveys.
With leadership support from Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc, the count included surveying individuals on Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc lands. Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc staff were part of the Point-in-Time Committee, and additional staff volunteered on the day of the count. Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc leadership was invited to provide feedback and guidance on the Indigenous-specific content within this document and received a presentation of the results prior to its release.
The City is committed to continuing to work closely with local First Nation leadership, Indigenous organizations, and Indigenous Peoples to ensure that Point-in-Time Counts accurately reflect their communities, provide opportunities for advocacy, and help make individuals feel safe and respected while participating and in the publication of the results.
LIMITATIONS TO THE METHOD
Point-in-Time counts provide a snapshot of the number of individuals experiencing homelessness over a 24-hour period. While results provide a trend over time and allow for a common language across communities, there are limitations to the methodology, such as:
■ The Point-in-Time Count is an estimate of the minimum number of people experiencing homelessness. It is important to recognize that this is an undercount.
■ The hidden homeless, which are individuals usually staying with friends, family, or strangers who do not have the security of continued residency, are hard to connect with and may be missed in the count.
■ Women and youth are more likely to experience hidden homelessness. Families are also more likely to intentionally hide or not use regular homelessserving agencies due to fear of losing their children.
■ The survey is voluntary. Individuals may not be willing to participate, and the methodology requires
that those administering the survey speak to an individual to include them in the enumeration (unless they are sleeping in a shelter).
■ Volunteers participate in training before the count; however, there is a risk that they can interpret questions differently or lead responses based on their own bias when asking the interview questions.
■ The survey is based on an individual’s responses. Factors such as cultural barriers, language barriers, and current level of health may impact how an individual self-assesses.
Mary Putnam
ENUMERATION
KAMLOOPS POINT-IN-TIME COUNT 2024
At least 313 people were experiencing homelessness in Kamloops over a 24-hour period on October 17–18, 2024. This number includes 204 people who were counted in shelters on the night of October 17 and 131 people who were counted by volunteers as per the survey screening criteria during the day on October 18.
204 SHELTERED 89 UNSHELTERED
37 PUBLIC SYSTEMS 20 HIDDEN
54 OBSERVED
313 PEOPLE IN 2024 PEOPLE IN KAMLOOPS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS: 2014–2024
OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS THERE HAS BEEN A +229% INCREASE IN HOMELESSNESS IN KAMLOOPS
95 PEOPLE IN 2014 100 PEOPLE IN 2016
201 PEOPLE IN 2018 206 PEOPLE IN 2021
312 PEOPLE IN 2023
SHELTER CAPACITY
When comparing shelter count statistics from 2021, 2023, and 2024, there was an increase in the number of beds available and the use of those beds. There were 180 shelter beds in 2021 compared to 234 shelter beds in 2024. Based on the occupancy rates of 65% in 2021 and 87% in 2024, more people experiencing homelessness were accessing shelter services at the time of the 2024 Point-in-Time Count.
While shelters are an emergency response to homelessness and do not help to address the housing crisis, they provide individuals with the very basic necessities of life. For some, a shelter can be the first step in rebuilding their lives. Accessing shelter can help individuals connect with resources and provide them with a short-term stable environment, which can help prepare them for more stable, longer-term housing.
NOTE: The Yacht Club temporary winter shelter opened on October 15, 2024, two days before the Point-in-Time count, reflecting the low occupancy rate. Within two weeks of opening, the shelter had an occupancy rate of 79%.
REASONS INDIVIDUALS MAY NOT ACCESS SHELTER
Of those who responded, 204 individuals accessed shelter in Kamloops on the night of October 17. All survey participants, whether they stayed in shelter, couch surfed, or slept outside, were asked to share reasons why they may not access shelter.
REASONS INDIVIDUALS MAY NOT ACCESS SHELTER - % OF RESPONDENTS
TURNED AWAY - SHELTERS ARE FULL FEAR OF SAFETY
DON’T LIKE SHELTER RULES
TURNED AWAY - BANNED OTHER HEALTH CONCERNS CROWDED
CAN’T STORE BELONGINGS LACK OF TRANSPORTATION HAVE PETS
FAMILIES AND FRIENDS
Of those who responded, 19% said they stayed with another person (partner, other adult, or children) the previous night. The most common response of who they stayed with was a partner, followed by other adult(s), such as family or friends.
GENDER
Of those who responded, 68% identified as men, 31% identified as female, and less than 1% (0.9%) identified as another gender identity. .
2024n=236 surveyed, 232 responses WHAT GENDER DO YOU IDENTIFY WITH?
WHO IDENTIFIED AS FEMALE INCREASED FROM 22% (30) IN 2021 31% (72) IN 2024 +41% THIS EQUATES TO A INCREASE IN FEMALE HOMELESSNESS SINCE 2021 TO
AGE OF FIRST HOMELESS EXPERIENCE
The most common age when an individual first experienced homelessness is between 15 and 24. Of those who responded, 45% first experienced homelessness during their youth (0–24 years of age).
HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU FIRST EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS?
2024n=223 responses
FOSTER CARE
In the 2024 results, 37% (84 individuals) identified as being a part of the foster care system.
AS A CHILD OR YOUTH, WERE YOU EVER IN FOSTER CARE OR IN A YOUTH GROUP HOME?
63% (146)
37% (84)
2024n=236 surveyed, 230 responses
53%
of those who first experienced homelessness as a youth, also experienced the foster care system.
83%
of those who were in the foster care system as a youth did not feel that they were properly supported in transitioning to independence.
ON AVERAGE, RESPONDENTS EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS 2 YEARS AND 11 MONTHS AFTER LEAVING FOSTER CARE AND/OR GROUP HOME.
VETERANS
Of those who responded, 4% indicated that they had served in the Canadian Forces. This includes the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Canadian Air Force (regular forces and reserve), Army Rangers, and/or the RCMP.
4% (10) INDICATED THAT THEY HAD SERVED IN THE CANADIAN FORCES
IMMIGRATION
Participants were asked whether they had come to Canada as an immigrant or refugee. Of those who responded, 5% moved to Canada after they were born. Of those who identified as an immigrant or refugees, all have been in Canada for 10 years or longer. There was no significant change in the data from the previous years.
DID YOU COME TO CANADA AS AN IMMIGRANT, REFUGEE, ASYLUM CLAIMANT OR THROUGH ANOTHER PROCESS?
EDUCATION
Of those who responded, 34% stated that high school was the highest level of education that they completed, 24% went on to post-secondary education or trade school, and 5% obtained a graduate degree, such as a master’s degree or a Ph.D.
WHAT IS HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION YOU COMPLETED?
28% (64) SOME HIGH SCHOOL
34% (77) HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
95% (187) NO
2024n=236 surveyed, 197 responses
5% (10) YES
8% (19) PRIMARY SCHOOL
5% (11) GRADUATE DEGREE (E.G. MASTERS, PH.D)
6% (14) POST SECONDARY GRADUATE
2024n=236 surveyed, 227 responses
10% (23) SOME POST SECONDARY
8% (18) TRADE SCHOOL
MOBILITY
As with previous Point-in-Time Count results, most respondents (68%) have either always lived in Kamloops or have lived in Kamloops for longer than five years. Similar to data from 2023, the percentage of individuals arriving in Kamloops in the last 12 months was 10%, dropping from 24% in 2021.
Of those who responded, 68% have either always lived in Kamloops or have been living in Kamloops for longer than five years.
Respondents were asked where they lived before coming to Kamloops. Of those who responded, 70% lived within BC prior to Kamloops, 13% lived in Alberta prior to coming to Kamloops, 12% lived in other provinces, and 4% lived in other countries prior to coming to Kamloops.
LENGTH OF TIME IN KAMLOOPS
23% (44) 1–5 YEARS 2024
9% (17) UNDER 1 YEAR
2024n=236 surveyed, 190 responses
22% (41) ALWAYS BEEN HERE
68%
OF RESPONDENTS HAVE EITHER ALWAYS LIVED IN KAMLOOPS OR HAVE BEEN LIVING IN KAMLOOPS FOR LONGER THAN FIVE YEARS
46% (88) LONGER THAN 5 YEARS
Gail Kipp
MOBILITY (CONTINUED)
The chart below shows the breakdown of respondents who lived elsewhere in BC before coming to Kamloops by health region.
RESPONDENTS WHO LIVED ELSEWHERE IN BC BY HEALTH REGION
13% (14)
VANCOUVER ISLAND
14% (16) NORTHERN
9% (10) FRASER
48% (54) INTERIOR
HEALTH REGIONS IN BC
16% (18)
VANCOUVER COASTAL
2024n=112 responses
Relocation to Kamloops
In the 2024 Point-in-Time Count, respondents were asked the main reason they came to Kamloops and why they chose to remain in the community.
Of those who responded:
■ 22% (49) indicated that their primary reason for coming to Kamloops was because their family moved here
■ 33% (85) indicated that they remained in Kamloops because their family and friends lived in Kamloops
HOUSING LOSS
The survey asked participants the main reason for their most recent loss of housing. Respondents were given the opportunity to choose all options that applied to them.
Housing and Financial Issues (not enough income for housing, unfit/unsafe housing condition, building sold/renovated, owner moved in)
Other (Complaint, left the community, death or departure of a family member(s), Pets) 37%
Conflict (with spouse/partner, parent/ guardian, landlord, other) 26%
Health or Corrections (physical health issue, disability, mental health issue, substance use issue, hospitalization or treatment program, incarceration)
Experienced Abuse (spouse/partner, parent/ guardian, landlord, other)
Health or Corrections (physical health issue/ disability, mental health issue, substance use issue, hospitalization or treatment program, incarceration) 7%
OF THOSE WHO RESPONDED,HAVE EXPERIENCED CONFLICT OR ABUSE WITH OR BY A SPOUSE, PARTNER, PARENT, GUARDIAN, LANDLORD, OR ANOTHER PERSON THAT HAS RESULTED IN THEIR RECENT HOUSING LOSS
SAID THEIR MOST RECENT HOUSING LOSS WAS RELATED TO AN EVICTION
LENGTH OF TIME EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
According to the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, it is important to distinguish the type and duration of homelessness as those who are considered episodically and chronically homeless tend to have much more severe challenges and consume a significant portion of the resources within the homeless-serving system. (Gaetz et al., 2014)
Chronic Homelessness
Chronic homelessness refers to persistent or long-term homelessness where people have either been homeless for at least 180 days at some point over the course of a year (not necessarily consecutive days) and/or have recurrent episodes of homelessness over three years that total at least 18 months. (Infrastructure Canada, 2024)
Of those who responded, 86% meet the criteria for chronic homelessness.
Episodic Homelessness
Homelessness can be episodic in nature, which is defined as moving in and out of homelessness. (Gatez et al., 2014). Respondents were asked how long they had experienced homelessness over the past three years. Of those who responded, 74% had experienced homelessness for more than one-and-a-half years to three years and 26% had experienced homelessness for less than one-and-a-half years.
HOW MUCH TIME HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS OVER THE PAST YEAR?
14% (32) 4–6 MONTHS
9% (21) 0–3 MONTHS
86% OF THOSE WHO RESPONDED, MEET THE CRITERIA FOR CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS
9% (21) 7–9 MONTHS
67% (149) 10–12 MONTHS
2024n=236 surveyed, 223 responses
IN TOTAL HOW MUCH TIME HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS?
26% (56) <1.5 YEARS
74% (163) 1.5 YEARS–3 YEARS
2024n=236 surveyed, 219 responses
HEALTH
Survey respondents were asked if they have been experiencing difficulties related to any of the following:
■ illness or medical condition
■ physical mobility
■ learning, intellectual/developmental or cognitive function
■ acquired brain injury
■ mental health
■ substance use
■ senses, such as seeing or hearing
HEALTH CHALLENGES
2024n=794 responses, 225 respondents
43% OF THOSE WHO RESPONDED, SAID THEIR HEALTH CHALLENGES IMPACTED THEIR ACCESS TO SERVICES
More than half of respondents identified as having either an illness or medical condition (51%), and 53% said they had a physical mobility challenge. Of those who responded, 39% identified as having challenges related to their senses, such as sight or hearing.
The intersection of substance use and mental health issues with homelessness is complex. The survey results indicate that the most common health challenge was substance use (81%) followed by mental health issues (67%). This aligns with the research that indicated substance use is disproportionately higher among unhoused people.
Many people who are homeless have experienced significant trauma. This can lead to poorer mental health and substance use to alleviate psychological pain and emotional suffering (Reist, D. & Norman, T., 2021). It is also important to recognize that the experience of homelessness itself can contribute to increased mental health and substance use issues. (Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, 2021)
37% OF THOSE WHO RESPONDED, IDENTIFIED AS HAVING A BRAIN INJURY THAT OCCURRED AFTER BIRTH
INCOME
Survey respondents could identify as many income sources as applicable. Of those who responded, 45% indicated receiving disability benefits followed by 43% who indicated social/welfare assistance. Other income sources included informal income sources (14%) and seniors’ benefits (8%).
INDIGENOUS EXPERIENCES OF HOMELESSNESS
Land exploitation, systematic strategies to assimilate Indigenous Peoples, residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, the foster care system, systemic bias in the judicial system, and other government policies, institutions, and practices have created significant and ongoing trauma, racism, and discrimination (Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, 2019).
Across Canada, the rates of Indigenous homelessness vary by community; however, the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness states that typically between 20% and 50% of urban unhoused populations identify as Indigenous.
Of those who responded, 55% identified as Indigenous in the 2024 Point-in-Time Count. This is a slight increase from the 52% of respondents who identified as Indigenous in the 2023 Point-in-Time Count and the 47% in 2021. This indicates a growing overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples in the unhoused population of this region. Further, 84% of Indigenous respondents meet the criteria for chronic homelessness.
Homelessness disproportionately impacts Indigenous Peoples across Canada
55%
OF RESPONDENTS IDENTIFIED AS INDIGENOUS
This is a direct result of colonization and government strategies to eradicate Indigenous Peoples and their cultures.
“At Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc, we recognize the urgent need to support our unhoused relatives with dignity, compassion, and culturally safe services, recognizing the overrepresentation of our Indigenous population. Addressing this crisis requires all levels of government, community organizations, and Indigenous leadership working together. We are committed to collaborative solutions that honour our teachings and uplift those most in need.”
Kelly Funk
- Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir
Residential School History and Impacts
Over 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly separated from their families and forbidden from practising their cultures with the intention of assimilating them into Euro-Canadian and Christian ways of living. Residential school survivors describe significant physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. The legacy of residential schools has continued to have devastating impacts on those who attended as well as on their children and grandchildren. The loss of language, culture, identity, and a nurturing family paired with abuse has created significant generational trauma for Indigenous families (Hanson et al., 2020). The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada characterized the intent of residential schools as “cultural genocide” (National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, 2022).
The Kamloops Indian Residential School opened in 1890 and closed on July 31, 1978. It was the largest institution in the Canadian residential school system, peaking at 500 students in the 1950s. Students from over 100 different home communities across BC attended the school (University of British Columbia, 2022).
Of those who responded, 35% (88 people) stated that they had residential school experience, which means they, their parent(s), and/or their grandparent(s) attended a residential school.
When asked to elaborate further, 47% of these respondents had one or more grandparents attend a residential school, 45% had one or more parents attend a residential school, and 8% attended a residential school themselves. It is important to note that respondents could choose more than one option.
35% OF THOSE WHO RESPONDED, STATED THAT THEY HAD RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL EXPERIENCE, WHICH MEANS THEY, THEIR PARENT(S), AND/OR THEIR GRANDPARENT(S) ATTENDED A RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL. (88 PEOPLE)
I DID ONE OR MORE PARENTS DID ONE OR MORE GRANDPARENTS DID
2024n=74 respodents, 80 responses
The legacy of residential schools created intergenerational impacts on former students, which has led to an overrepresentation of Indigenous homelessness. Residential school experiences continue to impact Indigenous Canadians. First, children who attended residential schools did not receive a proper education and were not provided with the necessary skills to help them enter the workforce beyond basic household or manual duties, which created a cycle of poverty. Secondly, Indigenous youth were not allowed to celebrate their culture, practise their traditions, or speak their languages in an effort to erase Indigenous identity. Physical and mental abuse was frequently used in residential schools on children who attempted to speak or practise their Indigenous language and culture. Consequently, residential school survivors—and their families—experience unique mental health and wellness obstacles due to trauma experienced during critical childhood years (El Gharib, 2022). Furthermore, evidence suggests that residential schools have contributed to poorer health and a higher prevalence of infectious diseases among Indigenous communities. All of these factors are critically important to understanding the reasoning for an overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples among the unhoused population.
CONCLUSION
Results from the Point-in-Time Count will be used by decision makers, planners, and service providers to help inform programs and services, direct advocacy efforts, and support funding applications.
The Point-in-Time Count methodology is representative of the number of people experiencing homelessness on a given day. It provides a baseline for understanding the most visible and often most vulnerable individuals in our community. The number of people experiencing homelessness is likely much higher. The information within this report should not be taken in isolation. Other sources of data should be used to add to a more fulsome understanding of homelessness.
What is evident from the data is that the causes of homelessness are a combination of structural factors, systems failures, and individual circumstances. To better support the vulnerable people in our community, there is a need for changes to key institutions and policies, the development of more inclusive and directed programs, and a notable change in the attitudes, biases, and treatment towards the unhoused population. Our response to this crisis will require a continued and intentional approach to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and a purposeful, proactive, and long-term plan to better support our youth.
REFERENCE LIST
Canadian Observatory on Homelessness (2019). Indigenous Peoples. Homeless Hub. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from https://www.homelesshub.ca/about-homelessness/ population-specific/indigenous-peoples
Canadian Observatory on Homelessness (2021). Substance Use & Addiction. Homeless Hub. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from https://www.homelesshub.ca/abouthomelessness/topics/substance-use-addiction
City of Kamloops. (2021). Point-in-Time-Count Report. https://www.kamloops.ca/our-community/housinghomelessness/homeless-count
El Gharib, S. (2022, August 9). Four Ways Residential Schools Continue to Impact Canada’s Indigenous Peoples. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from https://www.globalcitizen.org/ en/content/4-impacts-residential-schools-indigenouspeople/
Employment and Social Development Canada (2021). Guide to Point-in-Time Counts in Canada: Edition 3.1. Homelessness Learning Hub. Retrieved September 11, 2023, from https:// homelessnesslearninghub.ca/library/resources/guidepoint-time-counts-canada-edition-31/
Gaetz, S., Gulliver, T., & Richter, T. (2014). The State of Homelessness in Canada 2014. Homeless Hub. Retrieved August 25, 2023, from https://www.homelesshub.ca/sites/ default/files/attachments/SOHC2014.pdf
Gaetz, S., Dej, E., Richter, T., & Redman, M. (2016). The State of Homelessness in Canada 2016. Homeless Hub. Retrieved September 11, 2023, from https://homelesshub.ca/sites/ default/files/SOHC16_final_20Oct2016.pdf
Gaetz, S., Friesen, C., Harris, A., Hill, B., Kovacs-Burns, C., Pauly, K., Pearce, B., Turner, B., & Marsolais, A. (2017). Canadian Definition of Homelessness. Homeless Hub. Retrieved March 11th, 2025, from https://www. homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/ COHhomelessdefinition.pdf
Hanson, E., Gamez, D., & Manuel, A. (2020, September). The Residential School System. Indigenous Foundations. https:// indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca/residential-schoolsystem-2020/
Homelessness Services Association of BC (2021). 2020/21 Report on Homeless Counts in B.C. HSABC. Retrieved July 15, 2023, from https://hsa-bc.ca/2020-homeless-count.html
Infrastructure Canada (2019). Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy Directives. Retrieved August 25, 2023, from https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/homelessness-sansabri/directives-eng.html#h2.2
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (2022). Residential School History. Retrieved September 21, 2023, from https://nctr.ca/education/teaching-resources/ residential-school-history/
Reist,D. & Norman, T. (2021). Homelessness, Mental Health and Substance Use. Understanding the Connections. Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research. homelessness-mentalhealth-and-substance-use.pdf
Statistics Canada (2021, June 15). A statistical portrait of Canada’s diverse LGBTQ2+ communities. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/ n1/daily-quotidien/210615/dq210615a-eng.htm
Statistics Canada (2022, April 7). Canada is the first country to provide census data on transgender and non-binary people. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from https://www150. statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220427/dq220427b-eng. htm
Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc (2019). Our Land. Retrieved September 21, 2023, from https://tkemlups.ca/profile/ history/our-land/
The Homeless Hub (2024). Preventing Youth Homelessness in Canada. The Role of Education Policies.Preventing Youth Homelessness in Canada with Education Policies.
University of British Columbia (2022). Indian Residential School History & Dialogue Centre Collections. Indian Residential School History & Dialogue Centre. Retrieved September 20, 2023, from https://collections.irshdc.ubc.ca/ index.php/Detail/entities/46
5.How old are you? [OR] What year were you born? (If unsure, ask for best estimate)
AGE OR YEAR BORN
DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ANSWER
For this survey, “homelessness” means any time when you have been without a permanent and secure place to live,and includes sleeping in shelters, on the streets, or living temporarily with others without having your own permanent housing (e.g. couch surfing). How old were you the first time you experienced homelessness?
AGE___________ DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ANSWER
6A. In total, for how much time have you experienced homelessness over the PAST YEAR (the last 12 months)? (Does not need to be exact est estimate.)
LENGTH DAYS | WEEKS | MONTHS DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ANSWER
6B. In total, for how much time have you experienced homelessness over the PAST 3 YEARS? (Does not need to be exact. Best estimate) LESS THAN HALF ABOUT HALF OR MORE DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ANSWER
7.As a child or youth, were you ever in foster care or in a youth group home? (Note: This question applies specifically to child welfare YES NO
DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ANSWER
7A. Approximately how long after leaving foster care/group home did you become homeless? LENGTH DAYS / WEEKS / MONTHS / YEARS DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ANSWER
7B. Do you feel that Child Protection Services was helpful in transitioning you to independence after leaving foster care/group home? YES NO
DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ANSWER
8.Did you come to Canada as an immigrant, refugee, asylum claimant (i.e. applied for refugee status after coming to Canada), or through another process?
YES, IMMIGRANT > YES, REFUGEE
> YES, ASYLUM CLAIMANT IN CANADA > YES, TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKER > YES, OTHER WORK PERMIT > YES, STUDY PERMIT > YES, TEMPORARY RESIDENT > YES, OTHER (including undocumented) > NO
DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ANSWER
If YES: How long have you been in Canada?
LENGTH: DAYS | WEEKS | MONTHS | YEARS OR DATE: ______/_______/______ DAY / MONTH / YEAR
DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ANSWER
8A. In addition to your response in the question above, do you identify with any of the racial identities listed below? (Show or Read list. Select all that apply)
IDENTIFY AS INDIGENOUS ONLY
ARAB (e.g., Syrian, Egyptian, Yemeni)
ASIAN EAST (e.g., Chinese, Korean, Japanese)
ASIAN SOUTH EAST (e.g., Filipino, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Malaysian, Laotian)
ASIAN SOUTH OR INDO CARIBBEAN (e.g., Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Indo Guyanese, Indo Trinidadian)
ASIAN WEST (e.g., Iranian, Afghan)
BLACK CANADIAN/AMERICAN
BLACK AFRICAN (e.g., Ghanaian, Ethiopian, Nigerian)
BLACK AFRO CARIBBEAN OR AFRO LATINX (e.g., Jamaican, Haitian, Afro Brazilian.)
LATIN AMERICAN (e.g., Brazilian, Mexican, Chilean, Cuban)
WHITE (e.g. European, French, Ukrainian, Euro Latinx)
NOT LISTED (PLEASE SPECIFY):
DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ANSWER
9.How long have you been in Kamloops? LENGTH DAYS / WEEKS / MONTHS / YEARS ALWAYS BEEN HERE DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ANSWER
Where did you live before you came here? CITY: | PROVINCE/TERRITORY/COUNTRY: DECLINE TO ANSWER
EMPLOYMENT (SEEKING)
EMPLOYMENT (SECURED) TO ATTEND SCHOOL FEAR FOR SAFETY
9A. What is the main reason you came to Kamloops? (Do not read categories; select one)(Skip if the ‘’Always been here’’ option was chosen) TO ACCESS EMERGENCY SHELTER(S) TO ACCESS SERVICES AND SUPPORTS FAMILY MOVED HERE TO VISIT FRIENDS/FAMILY TO FIND HOUSING
RECREATION/SHOPPING OTHER: DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ASNWER
9 Why did you remain in Kamloops? I NO LONGER HAVE HOUSING IN MY HOME COMMUNITY I NO LONGER HAVE FAMILY AND/OR FRIENDS IN MY HOME COMMUNITY MY HOME COMMUNITY WAS DESTROYED (I.E MONTE LAKE, LYTTON FIRES, JASPER FIRES) NO MEANS OF TRANSPORATION TO RETURN NOT ENOUGH SERVICES IN HOME COMMUNITY THERE ARE MORE SERVICES THAT I CAN ACCESS IN KAMLOOPS I HAVE FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN KAMLOOPS OTHER:
10.Do you identify as First Nations (with or without status), Métis, or Inuit? (If yes, please specify) YES, FIRST NATIONS YES, INUIT YES, MÉTIS INDIGENOUS ANCESTRY NO DON’T KNOW
DECLINE TO ANSWER
10A. Which Indigenous community/communities are you from? COMMUNITY/RESERVE NAME____________________ DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ANSWER
INTERVIEWER: The following question is sensitive and can be prefaced by asking for consent (“can I ask you a question about residential Did you, your parents, or grandparents ever attend residential school? Yes (Check all that apply) I did One or more parents did One or more grandparents did No DECLINE TO ANSWER Don’t know/No Answer
11.Have you been experiencing difficulties related to any of the following?: YES NO DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ANSWER
ILLNESS OR MEDICAL CONDITION
(e.g. diabetes, tuberculosis (TB) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV))
PHYSICAL MOBILITY
(e.g. spinal cord injury, arthritis, or limited movement or dexterity)
LEARNING, INTELLECTUAL/DEVELOPMENTAL, OR COGNITIVE FUNCTION
(e.g. fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, or dementia)
ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY
(e.g. due to an accident, violence, overdose, stroke, or brain tumour)
MENTAL HEALTH [diagnosed/undiagnosed]
(e.g. depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar, or schizophrenia)
SUBSTANCE USE
(e.g. alcohol or opiates)
SENSES, SUCH AS SEEING OR HEARING
(e.g. blindness or deafness)
11A. Did any of the above impact your access to services? YES NO
DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ANSWER
12.What happened that caused you to lose your housing most recently? (Do not read the options. Check all that apply. “Housing” does not include temporary arrangements (e.g., couch surfing) or shelter stays. Follow up for the reason if the respondent says “eviction” or that they “chose to leave”.)
HOUSING AND FINANCIAL ISSUES CONFLICT WITH:
NOT ENOUGH INCOME FOR HOUSING (e.g. rental increase, loss of benefit, income or job) UNFIT/UNSAFE HOUSING CONDITION BUILDING SOLD OR RENOVATED OWNER MOVED IN
OTHER COMPLAINT (e.g. noise/damage) LEFT THE COMMUNITY/RELOCATED DEATH OR DEPARTURE OF FAMILY MEMBER PET(S) OTHER REASON
SPOUSE/PARTNER PARENT/GUARDIAN
LANDLORD OTHER (________________ )
EXPERIENCED DISCRIMINATION BY:
SPOUSE/PARTNER
PARENT/GUARDIAN
LANDLORD OTHER (_________ ________)
EXPERIENCED ABUSE BY: HEALTH OR CORRECTIONS
SPOUSE/PARTNE R PARENT/GUARDI AN LANDLORD OTHER (_____________ ___)
PHYSICAL HEALTH ISSUE/DISABILITY MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE
SUBSTANCE USE ISSUE
HOSPITALIZATION OR TREATMENT PROGRAM
INCARCERATION (jail or prison)
DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ANSWER
12A. Was your most recent housing loss related to an eviction?
o YES
12B. How long ago did that happen (that you lost your housing most recently)? (Best estimate) o LENGTH DAYS | WEEKS | MONTHS | YEARS DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ANSWER
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES ADDICTION FAMILY
13.What challenges or problems have you experienced when trying to find housing? (Select all that apply) LOW INCOME NO INCOME ASSISTANCE RENTS TOO HIGH POOR HOUSING CONDITIONS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HEALTH/DISABILITY ISSUES
BREAKDOWN/CONFLICT CRIMINAL HISTORY PET(S) CHILDREN
Benefits
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
DISCRIMINATION DON’T WANT HOUSING OTHER:
NO BARRIERS TO HOUSING DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ANSWER
14.What are your sources of income? (Reminder that this survey is anonymous. Read list and check all that apply) Formal or Informal Work FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT PART TIME EMPLOYMENT CASUAL EMPLOYMENT (e.g contract work)
INFORMAL INCOME SOURCES (e.g. bottle returns, panhandling, sex work)
DISABILITY BENEFIT (name of Prov. DISABILITY BENEFIT) SENIORS BENEFITS (e.g. CPP/OAS/GIS) WELFARE/SOCIAL ASSISTANCE (Prov. benefit)
VETERAN/VAC BENEFITS
CHILD AND FAMILY BENEFITS GST/HST REFUND
15.What is the highest level of education you completed?
PRIMARY SCHOOL SOME HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE/GED
SOME POST SECONDARY
T POST SECONDARY GRADUATE GRADUATE DEGREE (e.g., masters, Ph.D.)
Other MONEY FROM FAMILY/FRIENDS
OTHER MONEY FROM A SERVICE AGENCY
OTHER:
NO INCOME
DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ANSWER
NO FORMAL EDUCATION
DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ANSWER
16.Have you ever served in the Canadian Military or RCMP?(Military includes Canadian Navy, Army, and Air Force, Regular and Reserve, Army Rangers including completing basic training)
YES, MILITARY YES, RCMP
BOTH MILITARY AND RCMP NO
DON’T KNOW DECLINE TO ANSWER
Cover Photo: Tracey Mourre