A first ever count of those experiencing homelessness in the region gets underway later this month by the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board. Count Coordinator Melanie Verreault says the five-month long project will help to identify gaps in the system and how to connect those needing support.
“It is going allow us to have better system planning, program development as well as to give us an opportunity to even measure the progress towards ending homelessness,” she said.
Verreault says the count covers a wide area including those in mental health and correctional facilities as well as hospitals.
“We’re going to be counting people who are in emergency shelters, transitional homes,” she said. “Obviously people that are sheltering out of doors, basically living in not appropriate living conditions.”
She adds that the service providers across the region have been helpful and ready to help to make the count a success.
