Point in Time (PiT) Count of Homeless People informed Committee of the upcoming event. The Federal Government supported this first homeless count coordinated amongst communities across Canada in 2016. Designated communities of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) were encouraged to participate in the count. When communities conduct counts at the same time of year using a common approach, the results can be used to build a better understanding of homelessness across communities in Canada. Brantford/Brant was one of over 30 communities across Canada to undertake a PiT Count.
The City of Brantford is the Community Entity for the HPS homelessness programs and funding. The City works closely in this role with the Community Advisory Board (CAB) on Homelessness Issues. Brant Native Housing is Community Entity for HPS Indigenous homelessness programs. Brant Native Housing also works closely with their advisory board, Brant Aboriginal Homelessness Alliance (BAHA). The Count was a joint initiative of CAB and BAHA.
CAB and BAHA submitted a joint proposal to Service Canada to complete the PiT Count together. HPS accepted the proposal and was provided $30,000 in funding to support the administration of the count. Brant Native Housing hosted the project and used the funding to hire a short term PiT Count Coordinator and an Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator to plan, manage and coordinate the Count.
The Count took place as scheduled and was very successful. Community partners participated in supporting the event by completing surveys at 9 shelters and transitional houses. 55 volunteers from both the City and County participated by walking areas frequented by homeless people to enumerate them. Volunteers participated in training and were placed in teams that were anchored and supported by an experienced social service or public services professional. Teams targeted 18 areas in the City and County. Police were consulted and supported the Count with a higher presence in areas to be enumerated.
Individuals who identified as homeless were provided a small gift bag that included some personal hygiene items, a coffee gift card and service information. Completion of the survey was voluntary and the survey contained no personal identifying information. Furthermore, respondents could decline to answer any specific questions. A team of staff were available to reach out to urgent homelessness situations if identified by volunteers. This Outreach Team was dispatched to provide assistance to two individuals in need. One individual was provided emergency shelter and transportation. The other individual sleeps in the rough and declined emergency shelter but requested blankets.