Count suggests homelessness up in Waterloo region since 2014

Although a full report is not due until May 4, the data being compiled from this week's homeless count already suggests the number of homeless people on Waterloo region streets has grown.

"We think it might be larger than it was the last time we did this count," said Deb Schlichter, director of housing for the Region of Waterloo. The December2014 count found there were 295 homeless people on the streets of the region.

On Monday, 93 volunteers fanned out to talk to people in emergency shelters. In the evening, they also visited locations where homeless people are known to congregate.

When it comes to who is homeless, Schlichter says they are often a victim of circumstance. Some may have family or friends who can take them in if needed, but others don't have that support.

"Often we thinkthis is a group that's so different than us. They're not really that different," she said.

More surveys this year

Starting this year, performing a homeless count is mandatory. But although theprovince requires it, funding for this year's count in Waterloo region came from the federal government, which also wants communities to look at the issue of homelessness.

"This need assessment that we're doing now will help us be ready for when resources come that we can actually put them right to use," Schlichtersaid.

Theone-day snapshot ofurban homelessnessisn't the only survey the region is conducting. Schlichter said volunteers will now do a count in the townships, which will take several more days.