Homelessness Count Underway Across the District of Timiskaming

The issue of homelessness has been gaining attention in the District of Timiskaming and across the Province of Ontario. The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB), in partnership with several service agencies in our communities, is conducting a count of individuals experiencing homelessness over one week, between September 12th and September 18th.

This count is part of a province-wide effort to gain a better understanding of homelessness in communities across the province. This count will allow not only the DTSSAB, but all service agencies across the district, to be able to learn more about, and respond to, the issue of homelessness in the District of Timiskaming. The requirements for the 2021 Homeless Enumeration introduce more consistency in methodology so that the data can be used to provide point-in-time snapshots of homelessness across the District of Timiskaming.

The method being used to collect the information is known as a Point in Time (PIT) Count that identifies the number of people experiencing homelessness on a specific night, for a single point in time. In addition to the PIT count, a registry week will be conducted surveying individuals experiencing homelessness throughout the Enumeration week of September 12th to September 18th.

Surveys will be available at agencies across the district where respondents will be offered a pre-survey asking, “Where are you sleeping tonight?”

Anyone not sleeping in their own house or apartment will have the opportunity to complete the survey, in addition to those whose current housing feels unsafe or are one unexpected bill away from homelessness. The survey is voluntary, confidential and respondents will receive a gift card to local stores, as well as a bag of personal care items.

The survey is designed not to be a simple headcount of homelessness, but to dig deeper in understanding patterns and reasons why. The results will help us plan services to meet the needs of the community. The homelessness count will take place province-wide every two years and results will be made publicly available in the months following the count. Individuals or families who are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness are encouraged to visit the DTSSAB at 290 Armstrong Street in New Liskeard or 29 Duncan Avenue N. in Kirkland Lake.

For further information please visit www.dtssab.com or by phone at (888)-544-5555 x 3247 to learn what supports may be available.