Comox Valley Point in Time Count

Report September 2016

Conducted by Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness

In Partnership with United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island

Information about the Coalition: www.cvhousing.ca Contact the Coalition: comoxvalleyhousing@gmail.com

Table of Contents Executive Summary 1 Introduction 4 Methodology 4

Surveys 5 Fixed Sites 5 Magnet Event 6 Additional Surveying 6

Findings - PiT Count April 12th, 2016 7 Family Members 7 Gender and Age 7 Indigenous Heritage 8 Time in the Comox Valley 9 Communities People Have Moved Here from 10 Chronic Homelessness 11 Episodic Homelessness 11 Age First Became Homeless 12 Reasons for Becoming Homeless 13 Source of Income 14 Level of Education 15 Foster Care 15 Community Services Accessed in the Comox Valley 16 Preferred Housing Situation 17 Barriers to Housing 18 Drop-in Center Participation 19 Needed Drop-in Center Services 20

Findings – April 13th-April 19th, 2016 21 Gender and Age 21 Indigenous Heritage 22 Time in the Comox Valley 22 Communities People Have Moved Here from 23 Chronic Homelessness 23 Episodic Homelessness 24 Age First Became Homeless 24 Reasons for Becoming Homeless 25 Source of Income 25 Level of Education 26 Foster Care 26 Preferred Housing Situation 27 Barriers to Housing 27 Drop-in Center Participation 28 Summary 28 Appendix A – Survey 31

1

Executive Summary In 2016, the Government of Canada conducted a nation-wide Point in Time Count (PiT Count) to look at homelessness trends across Canada for the first time. Information gained through the count is used to identify themes, challenges and characteristics of homelessness across the country and helps to inform service needs at a local, provincial and federal level. The PiT Count is intended to provide a snapshot of the minimum number of people who are homeless in a community over one 24-hour period. The Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness, in partnership with United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island, participated in this count in the Comox Valley on April 12th, 2016 using the National PiT Count methodology. The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness (2012) defines absolute homelessness as individuals who are living in public spaces, emergency shelters or public facilities who do not have a stable residence to return to. Hidden or provisional homelessness includes those who are living in temporary accommodations, time-limited housing or whose tenancy is to be terminated. The Comox Valley survey (Appendix A) consisted of:

5 screening questions 12 questions from the National Database

6 additional questions that expanded on the 12 core questions 7 Canadian Observatory of Homelessness questions 3 Local questions (community specific interests)

Surveys were conducted at fixed sites throughout the community, in various unsheltered locations where people are known to sleep, and at an event at a local church lunch club. In addition to the 24-hour count, surveys were conducted at fixed site locations over the week of April 13th – April 19th with the intention of gathering more information on those experiencing homelessness in the Comox Valley. A total of 157 homeless (70 absolute homeless and 87 hidden homeless) were surveyed in the Comox Valley. The following survey findings combine data from the 24 hour and the week-long PiT count.

Survey Findings

Most (71%) of the people surveyed in the Comox Valley are alone without family support.

There are a significant number of women who are homeless in the Comox Valley.

Of the people surveyed 57% were female and 42% were male. “I became homeless with a child and was forced to place my child for adoption.” – Female, 45.

2

58% of those surveyed were between the ages of 18 and 44.

Homelessness starts at a young age. 31% surveyed became homeless under the age of 27 and 26% of respondents had been in the foster care system.

66% of people surveyed had completed high school or had some post-secondary

education.

Indigenous people are overrepresented among homeless populations. (42%) of respondents indicated an Indigenous heritage whereas Census figures show only 5% of the region’s population is Indigenous.

The majority (66%) of those surveyed came from the local area and had lived in

the Comox Valley for more than a year. Most who moved to the valley in the last year came from other areas of Vancouver Island.

People want permanent independent housing. 65% of respondents said they

would like to live independently in a small house (under 350sq. feet) or a small apartment. “The place I’m living in now has poor maintenance. It’s unsafe and dirty.” - Female, 66.

“I’d say my apartment is unfit for human habitation.” – Female, 55.

Most are not homeless by choice. Only 2 people said they did not want a home.

“My parents died and I was unable to afford the house on my own.” – Male, 46.

“The hospitalization of my partner in Victoria caused me to lose my house.” Female, 45.

People become homeless for a variety of reasons: evictions and landlord/co-

tenant conflict (30%), family conflict (19%), addiction and substance use (17%), illness (13%), job loss (12%) domestic abuse (11%), unsafe housing (8%).

Note: People surveyed could give more than one reason. “Being unemployed is keeping me from finding a home.” - Male, 48.

“It’s harder to find a place to live that allows kids.” - Female, 30.

Employed people are homeless in the Comox Valley. 13% of those surveyed were employed while 41% were on Income Assistance and 33% were on Disability Assistance. 8% had no income at all. “I have difficulties making ends meet. There is just not enough full time hours of work.” – Male, 48.

People cited low incomes, high rents and lack of affordable, suitable and available housing as the major barriers to them being able to find housing. “My house has no heat or hot water. I can’t afford it.” – Female, 55

3

“There’s a lack of jobs and I can’t afford to keep paying $1000 in rent right now” – Male, 29. “I experienced age discrimination when I tried to find housing.” Female, 57.

People who are homeless need services to help them address food security (food banks and soup kitchens), addictions and substance use issues, mental health issues, serious medical conditions, as well as trauma counseling and legal advocacy.

People who are homeless want drop-in services. 69% said they would attend a drop-in centre. The services they are looking for at a drop-in centre include laundry, shower facilities and lockers, access to phones, access to meals and common meal preparation, access to health care, general counseling and legal help, access to exercise and group support. “I want a safe drop-in. Something safe for families, and families with addiction issues, there is a lot of stigma around mothering and substance abuse!” – Female, 45.

The information gathered from this survey provides valuable information to inform the Coalition’s five-year plan regarding needed support services and housing in the valley. The findings will also help all levels of government and community agencies continue to plan and provide supports for people who are homeless in our community. The Coalition and the United Way recognize the count underrepresents the actual number of homeless in our community. This is expected the first time a community uses the nationally developed methodology. Through conducting this PiT count the Coalition has learned how to better survey those who are homeless and as we continue to do counts on a bi-annual basis we can build strengthened capacity for conducting the count, further involve community partners and identify trends over subsequent years to build a more comprehensive picture of homelessness at the local level.

4

Introduction In 2016, the Government of Canada conducted a nation-wide Point in Time Count (PiT Count) to look at homelessness trends across Canada for the first time. Information gained through the count is used to identify themes, challenges and characteristics of homelessness across the country and helps to inform service needs at a local, provincial and federal level. The PiT Count is intended to provide a snapshot of the minimum number of people who are homeless in a community over one 24-hour period. The Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness, in partnership with United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island, participated in this count in the Comox Valley on April 12th, 2016 using the National PiT Count methodology.

Methodology The methodology for the PiT Count is intended to capture the number of people who are experiencing “absolute” homelessness over a 24-hour period. This method is not intended to provide a count of the entire homeless population in a community, and often underrepresents the actual number of homeless in the community as the population is ever changing due to varying factors. This is especially true for the first time a community such as the Comox Valley uses the nationally developed methodology. Communities learn

what works and what doesn’t work in their specific context. Each year the PiT Count is done in a community the capacity to effectively use this method is increased.

The methodology has some limitations in that ‘absolute’ homelessness is targeted meaning those experiencing ‘hidden’ homelessness are often not captured. The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness (2012) defines variations of homelessness as the following: Absolute Homelessness: Individuals who are living in public spaces, emergency shelters or public facilities who do not have a stable residence to return to.

“I don’t like living on the streets. I don’t feel safe there” - Male, 35

Unsheltered: This includes people who lack housing and are not accessing emergency shelters or accommodation, except during extreme weather conditions. In most cases, people are staying in places that are not designed for or fit for human habitation. a. People living in public or private spaces without consent or contract b. People living in places not intended for permanent human habitation

Emergency Sheltered: This refers to people who, because they cannot secure

permanent housing, are accessing emergency shelter and system supports, generally provided at no cost or minimal cost to the user. Such accommodation represents a

stop-gap institutional response to homelessness provided by government, non-profits, faith based organizations and / or volunteers.

5

Hidden or Provisional Homelessness: includes those who are living in temporary accommodations, time-limited housing or whose tenancy is to be terminated. This describes situations in which people, who are technically homeless and without permanent shelter, access accommodation that offers no prospect of permanence. Those who are provisionally accommodated may be accessing temporary housing provided by government or the non-profit sector, or may have independently made arrangements for short-term accommodation.

“The place I’m crashing at has poor maintenance. It’s unsafe and it’s really dirty.” – Female, 55.

In order to try to capture hidden forms of homelessness the Coalition decided to continue to collect data from April 13th-April 19th, 2016. Several shelters and agencies volunteered their time and efforts to collect surveys throughout the week. Participation in the survey was entirely voluntary and there were people who are homeless in the Comox Valley who chose not to participate.

Surveys Standard surveys are provided by the Government of Canada that include 12 core questions every community using the PiT Count methodology must use. Using these 12 core questions in every community allows for the federal government to draw on and analyze emerging themes that can help to inform funding for programs to support people

who experience homelessness. In addition to the 12 core questions, the Federal Government also provided communities with the opportunity to include supplemental questions in their surveys (known as Canadian Observatory of Homelessness/ COH questions). The addition of these questions aren’t analyzed by the Federal Government, but can be used to help communities gain important additional information to inform their programming at a local level. Furthermore, some communities wanted to gather information on community specific interests and were given the option to craft and include questions of their own.

The Comox Valley survey (see Appendix A) consisted of:

5 screening questions 12 questions from the National Database 6 additional questions that expanded on the 12 core questions 7 Canadian Observatory of Homelessness questions 3 Local questions (community specific interests)

Fixed Sites During a 24-hour period, surveys were conducted at 10 fixed sites and a magnet event throughout the Comox Valley and in various unsheltered locations where people are known to sleep. The fixed sites included:

6

Sheltered Salvation Army Pidcock House Lilli House Amethyst House Comox Valley Recovery Center

Unsheltered Transition Society Luncheon Island Health Mental Health and Substance Use Salvation Army Family Services Wachiay Friendship Centre Comox Valley Brain Injury Society

Maple Pool Campground

Magnet Event

A magnet event was held with the intention of drawing in people who are homeless for the purpose of surveying them. This event was held at St. Georges United Church during the Sonshine Lunch Club soup kitchen. As the Comox Valley did not receive any federal funding for the PiT Count, this year the event was successful through the commitment of volunteers and the generosity of the United Way who provided some funding for the event. In addition, St. George’s Church and the Salvation Army soup kitchen provided the venue and donations from community groups and businesses such as; the Bay Care

Society Care-a-Van, the Cumberland Village Bakery, World Community Coffee, Subway, The Cumberland Homelessness and Affordable Housing Select Committee, Wachiay Friendship Center, and the Everybody Deserves a Smile supported the event.

Additional Surveying Surveys were also conducted at fixed site locations from April 13th – April 19th, 2016 to gather even more information from those experiencing homelessness in the Comox Valley. The fixed site locations for the additional surveys were: Sheltered

Salvation Army Pidcock House Lilli House Amethyst House Comox Valley Recovery Center

Unsheltered Transition Society Island Health Mental Health and Substance Use Salvation Army Family Services Wachiay Friendship Centre Comox Valley Brain Injury Society Maple Pool Campground Comox Valley Family Services

7

Comox Valley Nursing Center AIDS Vancouver Island Dawn 2 Dawn Action on Homelessness Society Comox Bay Care Society

Findings – PiT Count - April 12th, 2016 The following are the findings from the 101 surveys (60 absolute homeless and 41 hidden homeless) collected on April 12, 2016. Please note: Figure 14: Services used by individuals and Figure 18: Specific drop-in center services and the number of people who would access them combines data from the April 12th and surveys collected throughout the week.

Family Members: A family member could include someone from his or her immediate family, a partner or a child. 72% of respondents were alone without family support. Figure 1: Family Members (April 12)

Gender and Age There was an even split between male and females with 1% identifying as transgender Figure 2: Percentages of Gender (April 12)

Alone72%

With a family member

22%

Decline to answer1%

Unclear response5%

WHAT FAMILY MEMBERS ARE WITH YOU?

Female48%Male

49%

Transgender1% Unclear/ …

WHAT GENDER DO YOU IDENTIFY WITH?

8

Gender and Age (continued) 25% of respondents were in the 25-34 age group and 23% were in the 45-54 age group. This graph provides a breakdown of males, females, and transgender persons according to their age.

Figure 3: Percent of Males, Females, Transgender persons by age (April 12)

Indigenous Heritage A total of 43 respondents identified as having some indigenous heritage and 56 identified as being Non-Aboriginal.

Figure 4: Indigenous Heritage (April 12)

46%

32%

47%

59%64%

100%

33%

54%

64%

53%

41%36%

0%

67%

0%4%

0% 0% 0% 0% 0%0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-67 68+

Female Male Transgender

1%

1%

2%

7%

12%

22%

55%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

DECLINE TO ANSWER

UNCLEAR/BLANK RESPONSE

INUIT

METIS

NON-STATUS/HAVE ABORIGINAL ANCESTRY

FIRST NATIONS

NOT ABORIGINAL

9

Indigenous Communities Participants who identified as having Indigenous heritage were asked an open question about which community/reserve/band they originated from. The communities/ reserves/ bands that were identified are:

Anishanabe Good Fish Lake Cree Saikuz Quatsino Namgis, Alert Bay Ucluelet Ahoushat Musqueam

Dene, Fort Good Hope Gitskam Shushwap Thunder Child, Saskatchewan Port Alberni Mamallaca Kyuquot Sucker Creek Band Kingcome

Time in the Comox Valley Individuals surveyed were asked if they had moved to the Comox Valley in the past year. Of the 101 people surveyed, 31 answered yes and 67 answered no revealing that the majority of our homeless population consists of people who have been living in the Comox Valley for some time.

Figure 5: Percent Moved to the Comox Valley in the Past Year (April 12)

31%

66%

1% 2%

Did you move to the Comox Valley in the past year?

Yes

No

Decline to answer

Unclear/Blank

10

Communities People Moved From Individuals who responded yes to moving to the Comox Valley in the past year were also asked to identify the communities they had moved here from. Respondents identified a total of 18 communities. 12 of the 18 communities are located on Vancouver Island, 3 were in BC, and 3 were outside BC.

Figure 6: Communities People Moved from (April 12)

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

2

3

3

4

0 1 2 3 4 5

SASKATOON

REGINA

FORT ST. JOHN

VANCOUVER

CHILLIWACK

VICTORIA

MILL BAY

DUNCAN

GABRIOLA

PARKSVILLE

COOMBS

AHOUSAHT

PORT HARDY

DECLINE TO ANSWER

PORT ALBERNI

TOFINO

ALBERTA

NANAIMO

CAMPBELL RIVER

Communities People Moved From

Number of People

11

Chronic Homelessness Survey participants were asked to identify the times they have been homeless. 28% of people had been homeless for six or more months and 35% of people had been homeless for up to two months.

Figure 7: Chronic Homelessness (April 12)

Episodic Homelessness When asked how many times participants had been homeless in the last year 34% identified as having been homeless at least once and 27% of people identified as having been homeless 3 or more times.

Figure 8: Episodic Homelessness (April 12)

Don't Know1%

Decline to Answer6%

0-2 months34%

3-5 months…

6+ months28%

Unclear/Left Blank13%

OVER THE PAST YEAR, HOW MUCH OF THE TIME HAVE YOU BEEN HOMELESS?

Don’t Know1% Left Blank

20%

Decline to Answer7%

1 Time33%

2 Times12%

3+ Times27%

OVER THE PAST YEAR, HOW MANY DIFFERENT TIMES HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED

HOMELESSNESS?

12

Age Participants First Became Homeless Participants who identified as being homeless were asked at what age they first became homeless in their lifetime. 21 first became homeless between the ages of 19-27 and 17 people became homeless between the ages of 10-18.

Figure 9: Number of People at Each Age When They Became Homeless (April 12)

1

3

5

8 8

11

12

15

17

21

0

5

10

15

20

25

How old were you when you first became homeless in your life?

13

Reasons for Becoming Homeless Respondents were asked to identify the reason that caused them to lose their housing most recently. They were able to choose as many answers as applied to them from a list. Participants acknowledged the primary reasons for their most recent housing loss as being from addictions and substance use (20%), and from family conflict between a spouse/partner (19%).

Figure 10: Reasons for Becoming Homeless and Percent Who Identified (April 12)

0%

0%

2%

3.96%

4.95%

5.94%

5.94%

5.94%

6.93%

8.91%

9.90%

10.89%

11.88%

11.88%

12.87%

13.86%

18.81%

19.80%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

DOMESTIC ABUSE: PARENT OR GUARDIAN

LEFT CARE (CHILD PROTECTION)

DON'T KNOW

OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES

INCARCERATED (JAIL OR PRISON)

DECLINE TO ANSWER

FAMILY CONFLICT: PARENT OR GUARDIAN

HOSPITALIZATION OR TREATMENT PROGRAM

CONFLICT WITH LANDLORD OR CO-TENANT

UNCLEAR/BLANK RESPONSE

UNSAFE HOUSING CONDITIONS

JOB LOSS

ILLNESS OR MEDICAL CONDITION

EVICTED: UNABLE TO PAY RENT

EVICTED: OTHER REASON

DOMESTIC ABUSE: SPOUSE OR PARTNER

FAMILY CONFLICT: SPOUSE OR PARTNER

ADDICTION OR SUBSTANCE USE

14

Sources of Income Participants were asked what their main source of income was. The top three sources of income, in order, were income assistance (41%), disability benefits (32%), and employment (13%).

Figure 11: Percent of Participants and Their Sources of Income (April 12)

0%

0%

0.99%

1.98%

2.97%

3.96%

3.96%

5.94%

7.92%

12.87%

31.68%

40.59%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%

CHILD AND FAMILY TAX BENEFIT

MONEY FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS

DECLINE TO ANSWER

UNCLEAR/LEFT BLANK

EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

INFORMAL/SELF EMPLOYMENT

OTHER SOURCE

SENIORS BENEFIT (CPP/OAS/GIS)

NO INCOME

EMPLOYMENT

DISABILITY BENEFIT

WELFARE/INCOME ASSISTANCE

Where do you get your money from?

15

Level of Education Survey participants were asked what their highest level of education was. 36 identified as having finished high school and 32 identified as having some form of post-secondary education. Figure 12: Percent of Participants and Their Highest Education Levels (April 12)

Foster Care Participants were asked whether they had ever been in foster care. 28 had previously been in foster care at some point in their lifetime. Figure 13: Number of Participants who have been in Foster Care (April 12)

Primary School3%

Secondary School22%

High School35%

Post Secondary School32%

Decline to Answer

6%

Blank2%

HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION

28

63

5 5

NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN IN

FOSTER CARE

Yes

No

Unclear/LeftBlank

Decline toAnswer

16

Community Services Accessed in the Comox Valley Participants were asked if they had a need for services related to the items listed in the graph below. Respondents were allowed to pick as many of the answers as applied to them. In this graph, data from April 13th-19th is included.

Figure 14: Services used by individuals (April 12 and April 13-19)

2

3

3

8

15

17

22

22

28

28

32

33

44

44

45

63

69

7

2

9

2

6

8

3

15

15

15

14

13

15

16

13

23

45

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

PREGNANCY

DECLINE TO ANSWER

UNCLEAR/LEFT BLANK

FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER

BRAIN INJURY

CRISIS LINE

LEARNING DISABILITY

ABUSE/VIOLENCE IN THE RELATIONSHIP

PHYSICAL DISABILITY

TRANSITION SOCIETY LUNCH

LEGAL ADVOCACY

SERIOUS OR ONGOING MEDICAL CONDITION

MENTAL ILLNESS

TRAUMA COUNSELING

ADDICTION OR SUBSTANCE USE

SOUP KITCHEN

FOOD BANK

Service Use

Over the week April 12th

17

Preferred Housing Respondents were given a list of housing options and asked to identify which kind of housing they would require. Respondents were allowed to identify as many of the options as they found suitable. 34% would like to live independently in an apartment setting, 28% would like to live independently in a 350 sq. ft. small house, and 8% would like to live either in an apartment or house setting with supports on site.

Figure 15: Percent of people and preferred housing (April 12)

Small House [350 sq. ft.]

Independent Living28%

Small House Living with

Supports on Site8%

Small House with Meals Provided

6%

Apartment Living Independently

34%

Apartment with Supports on Site

8%

Apartment with Support Worker

4%

In a House with Four People

Sharing a Common Area

4%

Decline to Answer

1%

Unclear/Left Blank

7%

HOUSING PREFERRED

18

Barriers to Acquiring Housing Participants were asked to identify from a list, what they thought was keeping them from finding housing. Participants were encouraged to select all answers that applied. 80 people recognized their income being too low as a barrier to finding adequate housing, 58 people identified with rent being too high, and 52 people agreed that there was a general lack of affordable, suitable and available housing.

Figure 16: Barriers to housing (April 12)

0

1

3

5

5

7

11

12

15

16

16

19

21

22

24

29

29

52

58

80

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

NO BARRIERS TO HOUSING

DON'T WANT HOUSING

DECLINE TO ANSWER

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

UNCLEAR/LEFT BLANK

CRIMINAL HISTORY

CHILDREN

PETS

FAMILY BREAKDOWN/CONFLICT

NO INCOME ASSISTANCE

HEALTH/DISABILITY ISSUES

DISCRIMINATION

ADDICTIONS

POOR HOUSING CONDITIONS

MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

LACK OF REFERENCES

CREDIT ISSUES

LACK OF AFFORDABLE/SUITABLE/AVAILABLE HOUSING

RENTS TOO HIGH

LOW INCOME

Barriers to Housing

19

Drop-in Center Participation Respondents were asked if they would be interested in attending a drop-in center in the Comox Valley. 76% responded that they would attend a drop-in center if there were one available. 14% responded that they would not attend a drop-in center.

Figure 17: Percent of people who would attend a drop-in center (April 12)

Yes76%

No14%

Decline to Answer

2%

Unclear/Blank Response

6%

Don't Know2%

WOULD YOU ATTEND A DROP-IN CENTER?

20

Needed Drop-in Center Services Participants who would like to attend a drop-in center were asked to identify from a list, which services they would like to access. Laundry facilities, access to phones, and access to healthcare professionals were identified the most times as preferred services. Showers, prepared meals, and general counseling were identified as the next most preferred services. (This graph also includes data from April 13-19) Figure 18: Specific drop-in center services and the number of people who would access them (April 12 and April 13-19)

1

15

16

18

26

34

38

38

39

40

41

47

49

53

53

57

0

8

8

26

5

14

16

9

8

14

14

15

18

21

18

22

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

DECLINE TO ANSWER

PARENTING COUNSELING

CHILDCARE TO ATTEND APPOINTMENTS

UNCLEAR/LEFT BLANK

ACCESS TO LITERACY SERVICES

MEALS PREPARED TOGETHER

EXERCISE EQUIPMENT AND CLASSES

GROUP SUPPORT

LOCKERS

ACCESS TO LEGAL HELP

GENERAL COUNSELING

PREPARED MEALS

SHOWERS

ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

ACCESS TO PHONES

LAUNDRY FACILITIES

Drop-in Center Services

Over the Week April 12th

21

Findings – April 13th-19th, 2016

The following are the findings from the 56 (10 absolute homeless and 46 hidden homeless) surveys collected between April 13th and April 19th, 2016.

Gender and Age In this sample 71% of respondents were female and 32% were male.

Figure 19: Gender (April 13-19)

Gender and Age (continued) 25% of respondents were in the 25-34 age group and 25% were in the 45-54 age group.

Figure 20: Age (April 13-19)

Male32%

Female71%

GENDER

0

0

1

7

9

13

14

14

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

65-67

68+

DECLINE TO ANSWER

18-24

35-44

45-54

25-34

55-64

How old are you?

22

Indigenous Heritage 41% of respondents identified as having some indigenous heritage.

Figure 21: Indigenous heritage (April 13-19)

Time in the Comox Valley 66% of respondents had lived in the Comox Valley for over a year and 32% had arrived in the last year. The majority of people who had arrived in the last year moved from other nearby communities on Vancouver Island. One respondent had moved from the Lower Mainland and 5 people had moved from Alberta. Similar to the April 12th data, the majority of people who are homeless in the Comox Valley are from the local area.

Figure 22: Time lived in Comox Valley (April 13-19)

8

11

4

01

4

30

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

First Nations Non-Status Metis Inuit Don't Know Unclear/Leftblank

NotIndigenous

Indigenous heritage

Yes32%

No66%

Unclear/Left Blank

2%

HAVE YOU MOVED TO THE COMOX VALLEY IN THE PAST YEAR?

23

Time in the Comox Valley (continued)

Figure 23: Communities people moved from (April 13-19)

Chronic Homelessness 48% of respondents said they had been homeless for under 2 months and 16% of respondents said they had been homeless for over 6 months.

Figure 24: Chronic Homelessness (April 13-19)

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

3

4

0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5

COOMBS

NANAIMO

PARKSVILLE

PORT ALBERNI

SURREY

VICTORIA

CAMPBELL RIVER

EDMONTON

ALBERTA

Communities people moved from

0-2 months48%

3-5 months12%

6-12 months16%

Unclear/left blank21%

Decline to answer

1%

Don't know2%

CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS

24

Episodic Homelessness 32% of respondents said they had only been homeless once while 14% said they had been homeless twice and 7% said they had been homeless 3 times.

Figure 25: Episodic Homelessness (April 13-19)

Age Participants First Became Homeless 12% of participants first became homeless between the ages of 11 and 17. 9-11% first became homeless between the ages of 18 and 44.

Figure 26: Age first became homeless (April 13-19)

0 times16%

1 time32%

2 times14%

3+ times7%

Unclear/left blank26%

Decline to answer

2%

Don't know3%

EPISODIC HOMELESSNESS

75 5

6

32

26

3

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

11 to 17 18 to 24 25 to 34 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 64 Unclear/leftblank

Decline toanswer

Age first became homeless

25

Reason for Homelessness Similar to the April 12th data, the leading reasons for becoming homeless include job loss (14 %), addiction and substance use (12%) and eviction due to being unable to pay rent or other reasons (20%).

Figure 27: Reason for homelessness (April 13-19)

Source of Income 41% of respondents relied on Income Assistance, 34% were on a disability pension and 14% were employed. 9% had no income whatsoever.

Figure 28: Source of income (April 13-19)

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

2

3

4

5

5

5

6

6

7

8

19

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

DECLINE TO ANSWER

DOMESTIC ABUSE: PARENT OR GUARDIAN

DON'T KNOW

HOSPITALIZATION OR TREATMENT PROGRAM

INCARCERATED (JAIL OR PRISON)

FAMILY CONFLICT: PARENT OR GUARDIAN

LEFT CARE (CHILD PROTECTION)

UNSAFE HOUSING CONDITIONS

ILLNESS OR MEDICAL CONDITION

DOMESTIC ABUSE: SPOUSE OR PARTNER

EVICTED: OTHER REASON

FAMILY CONFLICT: SPOUSE OR PARTNER

OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES

CONFLICT WITH LANDLORD OR CO-TENANT

EVICTED: UNABLE TO PAY RENT

ADDICTION OR SUBSTANCE USE

JOB LOSS

UNCLEAR/BLANK RESPONSE

Ax

is T

itle

Reasons for Homelessness

001222

55

819

23

0 5 10 15 20 25

INFORMAL/SELF EMPLOYMENTDECLINE TO ANSWER

OTHER SOURCESENIORS BENEFIT (CPP/OAS/GIS)

CHILD AND FAMILY TAX BENEFITSMONEY FROM FAMILY/FRIENDS

EMPLOYMENT INSURANCENO INCOME

EMPLOYMENTDISABILITY BENEFIT

WELFARE/INCOME ASSISTANCE

Source of income

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Level of Education 37% of respondents had completed high school and 28% had done some post-secondary education.

Figure 29: Level of education (April 13-19)

Foster Care 23% of respondents had been in the foster care system.

Figure 30: Foster Care (April 13-19)

Primary School2%

Secondary School24%

High School37%

Post Secondary School

28%

Unclear/left blank

9%

LEVEL OF EDUCATION

Yes23%

No66%

Unclear/left blank10%

Don't know1%

FOSTER CARE

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Preferred Housing Similar to respondents who answered the survey on April 12th, 30% of participants would like to live independently in an apartment setting, 43% would like to live independently in a 350 sq. ft. small house, and 4% would like to live either in an apartment or small house setting with supports on site.

Figure 31: Preferred housing (April 13-19)

Barriers to Acquiring Housing The results on this question mirrored the results from 24-hour count. 31 people identified with their income being too low as a barrier to finding adequate housing, 28 people identified with rent being too high, and 23 people agreed that there was a general lack of affordable, suitable and available housing

Figure 32: Barriers to housing (April 13-19)

Small house [350 sq ft] independent living

43%

Apartment living independently

30%

Apartment with supports on site

4%

Apartment with support worker

1%

In a house with four people

sharing common areas…

Unclear/left blank21%

PREFERRED HOUSING

011

4444

566

77

910

1112

1623

2831

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

NO BARRIERS TO HOUSING

DECLINE TO ANSWER

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

CRIMINAL HISTORY

ADDICTION

MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

POOR HOUSING CONDITIONS

PETS

UNCLEAR/LEFT BLANK

RENTS TOO HIGH

Barriers to housing

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Drop-in Center Participation The majority of respondents (57%) said they would attend a drop-in centre. The services they are interested in at a drop in centre are shown on figure 26.

Figure 33: Drop-in Centre participation (April 13-19) Summary A total of 157 homeless (70 absolute homeless and 87 hidden homeless) were surveyed in the Comox Valley. The following survey findings combine data from the 24 hour and the week-long PiT count.

Survey Findings

Most (71%) of the people surveyed in the Comox Valley are alone without family support.

There are a significant number of women who are homeless in the Comox Valley. Of

the people surveyed 57% were female and 42% were male. “I became homeless with a child and was forced to place my child for adoption.” – Female, 45.

58% of those surveyed were between the ages of 18 and 44.

Homelessness starts at a young age. 31% surveyed became homeless under the age of 27 and 26% of respondents had been in the foster care system.

66% of people surveyed had completed high school or had some post-secondary

education.

Yes57%No

29%

Unclear/left blank12%

Don't know2%

DROP-IN CENTRE PARTICIPATION

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Indigenous people are overrepresented among homeless populations. 42% of respondents indicated an Indigenous heritage whereas Census figures show only 5% of the region’s population is Indigenous.

The majority (66%) of those surveyed came from the local area and had lived in the

Comox Valley for more than a year. Most who moved to the valley in the last year came from other areas of Vancouver Island.

People want permanent independent housing. 65% of respondents said they would

like to live independently in a small house (under 350sq. feet) or a small apartment. “The place I’m living in now has poor maintenance. It’s unsafe and dirty.” – Female, 66.

“I’d say my apartment is unfit for human habitation.” – Female, 55.

Most are not homeless by choice. Only 2 people said they did not want a home.

“My parents died and I was unable to afford the house on my own.” – Male, 46.

“The hospitalization of my partner in Victoria caused me to lose my house.” Female, 45.

People become homeless for a variety of reasons: evictions and landlord/co-tenant conflict (30%), family conflict (19%), addiction and substance use (17%), illness (13%), job loss (12%) domestic abuse (11%), unsafe housing (8%).

Note: People surveyed could give more than one reason. “Being unemployed is keeping me from finding a home.” - Male, 48.

“It’s harder to find a place to live that allows kids.” - Female, 30.

Employed people are homeless in the Comox Valley. 13% of those surveyed were employed while 41% were on Income Assistance and 33% were on Disability Assistance. 8% had no income at all. “I have difficulties making ends meet. There is just not enough full time hours of work.” – Male, 48.

People cited low incomes, high rents and lack of affordable, suitable and available

housing as the major barriers to them being able to find housing. “My house has no heat or hot water. I can’t afford it.” – Female, 55.

“There’s a lack of jobs and I can’t afford to keep paying $1000 in rent right now” – Male, 29. “I experienced age discrimination when I tried to find housing.” Female, 57.

People who are homeless need services to help them address food security (food banks and soup kitchens), addictions and substance use issues, mental health issues, serious medical conditions, as well as trauma counseling and legal advocacy.

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People who are homeless want drop-in services. 69% said they would attend a drop-in centre. The services they are looking for at a drop-in centre include laundry, shower facilities and lockers, access to phones, access to meals and common meal preparation, access to health care, general counseling and legal help, access to exercise and group support. “I want a safe drop-in. Something safe for families, and families with addiction issues, there is a lot of stigma around mothering and substance abuse!” – Female, 45.

The information gathered from this survey provides valuable information to inform the Coalition’s five-year plan regarding needed support services and housing in the valley. The findings will also help all levels of government and community agencies continue to plan and provide supports for people who are homeless in our community. The Coalition and the United Way recognize the count underrepresents the actual number of homeless in our community. This is expected the first time a community uses the nationally developed methodology. Through conducting this PiT count the Coalition has learned how to better survey those who are homeless and as we continue to do counts on a bi-annual basis we can build strengthened capacity for conducting the count, further involve community partners and identify trends over subsequent years to build a more comprehensive picture of homelessness at the local level.

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APPENDIX A Survey Tool

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