BRUCE COUNTY – Bruce County’s human services department, with Grey County and community partners, conducted a homelessness enumeration on Monday, Oct. 18, as part of the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing mandate.
This review offered a point-in-time count that provides a snapshot of the number of people experiencing homelessness in Bruce County. The enumeration also collected demographic information using a set of standard questions.
Bruce County staff and service providers were in contact with 77 residents who were experiencing homelessness on Oct. 18; 64 people experiencing homelessness consented to taking the survey.
- 33 per cent of respondents were staying in a municipally-funded motel the night of the count. Bruce County, with funding from the Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative, funds short-term motel stays for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
- 34 per cent of respondents reported staying with friends and family or a self-funded motel.
- 52 per cent of respondents are chronically homeless (homeless for 180 cumulative nights in a year).
- 19 per cent of respondents were under the age of 25.
- 47 per cent of respondents were under the age of 35.
- 20 per cent of respondents identified as Indigenous.
- 49 per cent of respondents identified as having a medical illness or condition.
- 38 per cent of respondents identified as having a physical limitation.
- 38 per cent of respondents identified as having a learning or cognitive limitation.
- 67 per cent of respondents identified as having a mental health concern.
- 21 per cent of respondents identified as having a substance misuse/use concern.
On Thursday, Jan. 13, Bruce County’s human services committee received the Homelessness Enumeration Report and approved a local rule for housing priority to offer one in every 10 units to individuals or families from the Bruce County By-Name List.
“The homelessness enumeration is a means to garner information about the number of people who are homeless, the services they currently use, and potential gaps in services,” said Christine MacDonald, interim CAO and director of human services, “This information will help Bruce County build a strong housing response system for vulnerable residents. Thank you to volunteers and community organizations that assisted in the enumeration.”
Warden Janice Jackson added, “Bruce County is committed to planning, delivering, and advocating for responsive services that help individuals and families enhance their level of participation and quality of life in our communities. Bruce County strives to provide accessible services that remove barriers and create opportunities.”
