This report is on the 3rd annual Homeless Census, which provides the first opportunity to conduct a comparative analysis, based on improvements from the first experience. The methodologies used in 2004 and 2005 were dissimilar in nature and could not provide for a valid comparison. Minor revisions were made to the methodology for 2006; however, these revisions are not significant enough to affect the ability to conduct a comparative analysis. These revisions include using the same data collection methodologies in both the Agency and Street Counts, revising census questions to provide data that is more comprehensive in scope and reducing the possibility of utilizing subjective data. The focus of the study is to gain quantitative data from individuals interviewed ‘on the street’ and ‘individuals accessing agency support’ about their personal experience of homelessness. Qualitative volunteer observations on demographic characteristics of the interviewed population were also incorporated into the study. New to this years study was the inclusion of a question concerning the respondents’ reasons for not being able to obtain affordable and sustainable housing. In past Homeless Counts, individuals only responded to whether or not they had been able to find affordable housing. Results indicated that most homeless are hidden but the actual count was118 people homeless. The estimated homeless population in Lethbridge is 590. 8 families were counted as being homeless, including 16 children. The benefits of this project include, but are not exclusive to increased education and awareness regarding the extent of homelessness in Lethbridge; increased understanding concerning the issues faced by people who are homeless; and increased emphasis on anti-oppressive strategies to positively impact ‘ending homelessness’ in Lethbridge

Summary Credit:
Homelessness-Related Research Capacities in Alberta: A Comprehensive Environmental Scan, prepared by Dr. Katharina Kovacs Burns, MSc, MHSA, PhD and Dr. Solina Richter, PhD, RN for The Alberta Homelessness Research Consortium (2010)