According to Winnipeg’s Annual Street Census, those who are homeless are disproportionately represented by indigenous people and those who were raised in foster care.
Abolish homelessness At least 1,250 people who were homeless in May of this year were interviewed by volunteers in Winnipeg.
More than 60% of those surveyed were in foster care before ending up on the streets, according to the results, while just over 68% of respondents identify as indigenous.
According to survey volunteers, the average age at which people find themselves homeless is 18.
AROUND 90% OF PEOPLE LIVING ON THE STREETS SAY THEY WERE RESIDING IN UNSHELTERED LOCATIONS SUCH AS ABANDONED BUILDINGS, ENCAMPMENTS, TENTS, OR VEHICLES WHEN CONSIDERING THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THEM. Fifty percent of respondents claim to be using resources like shelters or other temporary housing options.
According to Josh Brandon with the Social Planning Council, the community needs to change how it approaches the root of the homelessness problem in order to address the systemic barriers that are currently in place.
“To end homelessness, we cannot rely on the charity model. We must consider the bigger picture in order to identify the structural obstacles that prevent us from evicting the homeless and from achieving our goals of having high-quality housing.
According to Tesa Blaikie Whitecloud, CEO of Silam Mission, there are many different causes of homelessness that call for many different solutions.
“Whether It’s Literally Not Enough Dollars for Housing, Whether It’s Leaving an Abusive Relationship, Whether Your Housing Was Sold, Whether You Came Into Homelessness Out of Incarceration,” She Toled Global News of the Many Causes Leading to Homelessness.
The report also highlights the pandemic as a contributing reason to homelessness, with many respondents reporting that they struggled to maintain their housing due to loss of income, rent increases, or eviction.
Employment Insurance and Claims from Cerb Were Listed As Other Major Concerns.
– With Files from Global News ’Drew Stremick and Sarah McCarthy.
A Look at Winnipeg’s Homeless Population: A Street Census
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