First ‘point in time’ count since 2021 will tally number of locals experiencing homelessness

Local service agencies will take to the streets on Tuesday to take an official count of the number of people living with homelessness in the community. 

The 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) count is part of a national effort to measure homelessness across the country. The last time a PIT count was done in Sault Ste. Marie was in 2021.

The count will be conducted by Social Services (DSSAB) staff in collaboration with the local Homelessness Prevention Team. The PIT count is not done yearly; previous counts were done in 2021, 2020, 2018 and 2016.

“Homelessness is more visible now than ever in our community,” said Louie Bruni, DSSAB chief operating officer. “The Point-In-Time Count will help get a true picture of the homeless population in Sault Ste. Marie so that we can direct our advocacy efforts towards increasing supportive and affordable housing locally.”

Volunteers will survey individuals staying in shelters, short-term housing, couch-surfing, hospitalized, incarcerated, or living unsheltered, providing a snapshot of the homelessness situation in Sault Ste. Marie, said a news release publicizing Tuesday's event.

A dedicated phone line will also be available for residents to complete a housing survey Oct. 15 to 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., staffed by Homelessness Prevention Team members. Individuals looking to complete the survey via phone can call 705-759-5170.

“It is important that our front-line workers have an accurate depiction of homelessness in Sault Ste. Marie so our team can respond accordingly,” said Taylar Piazza, PIT count coordinator. “Our last PIT Count took place in 2021, so this will give us the opportunity to update and improve our approaches in order to better serve our clients and our community.”

The count comes at a time when the DSSAB is completing its 10-year housing and homelessness plan and is currently in the process of devising a new one for 2025.

The results of the PIT count, in addition to data collected by the DSSAB through its By-Name-List, will be used to inform the creation of the new housing and homelessness plan.

The PIT count initiative is supported by the following community agencies: Social Services, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, the Indigenous Friendship Centre, John Howard Society, Canadian Mental Health Association Algoma, Pauline’s Place, Algoma Community Legal Clinic and Sault Area Hospital.