Homelessness Delivered to Council's Doorstep

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C.-  Prince George, B.C.- According to the  most recent survey, the number or homeless people in Prince George is about  361, that’s  down from  the 375  counted  in 2008.   Of those surveyed in the most recent count ( which took place in May of this year),  60%  indicated they stayed most frequently in safe house/emergency shelter or transitional housing over the last year and 30%  suffered from 3 or more health conditions.

There is a price tag  attached to homelessness.

Studies indicate it costs  $55 thousand dollars per year per homeless person for emergency service, and  $27 thousand a person per year  to provide adequate housing and supports.

In their annual report to Prince George City Council, the  Community Partners Addressing Homelessness (CPAH) say they have noticed some other trends since the downtown policing unit  was  put in place. They  have noticed fewer homeless people  in the downtown ,  fewer people using support services,  they claim there are more  people camping  outside downtown core and  suggest  more are  moving into crack shacks and drug houses, that, they say,  means  there is decreased safety for those who are most vulnerable.

Homelessness Action Week will take place from October 11^th  through 17^th  this year.  While activities are still  being detailed,  the Community Partners Addressing Homelessness has confirmed there will be  an event on  the 12^th at the Connaught Youth Centre,  and a potlatch at the Fire Pit on October 15^th.

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