The upcoming census in Nanaimo is funding via Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy and the United Way BC (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)  

By Ian Holmes

homeless census

Volunteers sought for upcoming homeless census in Nanaimo

Apr 17, 2023 | 5:33 AM

NANAIMO — Getting a clear idea how many homeless people live in Nanaimo and finding out what their challenges are will take an army of volunteers.

Dozens of people are being recruited to help fill a variety of roles for the upcoming federally funded Point-in-Time census happening on Thursday, April 27 in Nanaimo.

Nanaimo census co-ordinator and data manager Andrew Thornton says a “Magnet Event” to encourage marginalized people and other members of the public to St. Paul’s Anglican Church takes place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

“It is going to be difficult for people to talk about their experiences, so we’re trying to make it as comfortable as possible and a public event to inform people as well.”

Meals, hairdressers, Canada Revenue Agency and Service Canada personnel will be among numerous service providers on site at the church located at 100 Chapel St. to connect with unhoused people.

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People can sign up to help with the event, or the census itself by applying here.

The program is funded and operated through the Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy and the United Way BC.

Volunteering is contingent on attending an approximately two-hour training session on Thursday, April 20.

The last census conducted in Nanaimo in 2020 found 433 people were considered homeless, a sharp 29 per cent rise from the 2018 count.

Several homeless counts were done for more than 20 years in Nanaimo, which Thornton noted all showed an overwhelming number of those counted had lived in the city for extended periods of time.

Thornton told NanaimoNewsNOW the count is essential in helping to establish senior government funding for various interventions.

“A lot of the focus has been on crisis intervention, which is absolutely necessary, but we also need to focus on prevention — that is supporting people before they become homeless.”

Outreach workers from a variety of social service agencies will be among those taking to the streets, parks and encampments throughout Nanaimo for the census.

Nanaimo RCMP and the City’s Community Safety Officers are also assisting in the effort, Thornton noted.

Anecdotal evidence suggests this year’s figure will be much higher than the census done three years ago.

Thornton said this year’s count will be more labour intensive since marginalized people are more spread out compared to previous years.

“There’s also homeless individuals and encampments throughout Nanaimo from the south end and Chase River all the way up to Aulds Rd.”

The mid Island branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association is working with numerous agencies to conduct Nanaimo’s homeless census.

A homeless census for the Parksville-Qualicum Beach region takes place Wednesday, April 26.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes