This is Homelessness Awareness Week, and those who are trying to spread the word appeared before Prince George City Council this evening.

In addition to requesting an official proclamation from the Mayor, the week ahead includes plans for a special walking tour of agencies which service the homeless, a sleep on the streets night, community displays and special drop boxes set up throughout the community to collect donations for the homeless.

On October 5th, the Community Partners Addressing Homelessness produced this snapshot of homelessness in Prince George:

On that day, 

• 116 individuals accessed emergency shelters or transition houses because they were without safe housing.
• there were 574 meals served to families, couples, singles and youth at the surveyed agencies.
• 285 drop-in visits were recorded at those agencies

Of those who sought shelter there were:

• 7 youth
• 9 children
• 49 women
• 51 men

The snapshot is not scientific, in fact, those who presented the information say the sample represents only part of the picture, that many individuals and families who experience homelessness or are at significant risk of becoming homeless do not necessarily use emergency shelters, food banks or drop in centres. Further, this survey did not include services outside of the downtown serving homeless/at risk. 

The Community Partners Addressing Homelessness say many people rely temporarily on neighbours, friends or family to assist them in meeting those basic needs. Others are forced to "bargain" with people who exploit them in exchange for a meal, a couch to sleep on etc. Still others sleep outside for most of the year, often unnoticed by most of the community.

The presenters told Council they realize there needs to be a better connection with corporate Prince George. 

Councilor Sherry Sethen says she looked at the list of the partners as circulated by the presenters, and noticed a distinct lack of connection with business.   Spokesperson, Carey Pateman says they are looking at ways to increase the involvement of business,  "We have tried to include business during this homelessness awareness week, but we are open to suggestions." That is not to say business is not involved, presenters say many support agencies which provide sponsorship, but they are behind the scenes.

Councilor Brian Skakun thanked the presenters but noted "Homelessness is just a pay cheque away. It can happen that fast."