Counting the homeless

Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton will takes part in the provincial homeless count this spring.

Volunteers are being sought to help in 16 communities during March and April.

"Although counts do not give us a full picture of the extent of homelessness, they do provide important information on the estimated number, key demographics and service provision needs of those experiencing homelessness, both in your community and across the province," the Homelessness Services Association of BC says.

Each count will be conducted over a 24-hour period, both in shelters and on the streets.

Volunteers will conduct a brief, anonymous survey with people who are experiencing homelessness during the count.

Counts will be held April 20 in Penticton, and April 29 in Vernon. Kelowna's date yet to be announced.

Results of the 2018 spring count tallied 7,655 homeless in the 24 communities participating.

Sixty-seven per cent of those identifying as homeless were male.

The report on last year's count showed 286 people experiencing homelessness in Kelowna, 153 in Vernon, and 108 in Penticton.

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