This February, trained volunteers in North Bay will take part in a coordinated effort to measure homelessness across Canada.
This is North Bay’s first ever Point-in-Time (PiT) Homeless Count, and in this way differs from previous homelessness surveys. It is being conducted by the AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area who will work in partnership with various community organizations and agencies.
In late February, trained volunteers will count and survey individuals who are staying in shelters as well as those without shelter. This PiT Count will provide a “snapshot” of homelessness in North Bay. It will indicate the minimum number of people experiencing homelessness in our community.
Other forms of homelessness, such as people staying temporarily with friends, are not typically included in a PiT Count.
The PiT Count will improve understanding of the needs and circumstances of the people who are affected by homelessness in our community. The survey will provide key data on gender, age, ethnicity, veteran status and more.
Results from the PiT Count will be made publically available and the results of the PiT Count may be used to inform the community’s response to homelessness. This count will also help to measure progress in ending homelessness through successive counts in the future.
The North Bay PiT Count is a collaborative effort between the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) and the Nipissing District Homelessness and Housing Partnership (NDHHP).
