The City of Kamloops has released the 2024 Point-in-Time Count report, which shows a snapshot of the number of people experiencing homelessness in the city in a 24-hour period.
The count took place on Oct. 17 and 18, 2024 and involved 75 volunteers including outreach workers, shelter staff, cultural educators, social workers and people with lived experiences of homelessness.
According to the report, data was provided from nine shelters and surveys were completed throughout the Kamloops and Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc reserve communities.
The surveys were done along various walking routes on streets, in parks, along riverbanks and at three events that encouraged participation.
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A total of 313 people were counted and 236 surveys were completed. A total of 86% met the criteria for chronic homelessness.
That is similar to the 2023 Point-in-Time Count but up from the 206 people counted in 2021.
The report found that over the past decade, there has been a 229% increase in homelessness in Kamloops.
Since 2021, there has been a 26% increase in seniors’ homelessness and among the survey respondents, 68% were men, 31% were female and 1% identified as another gender.
According to the report, females experiencing homelessness increased from 22% in 2021 to 31% in 2024, which equates to a 41% increase.
The Point-in-Time Count also found that nearly half (45%) of respondents experienced homelessness during their youth and 37% said they had been in the foster care system.
“The Point-in-Time Count survey confirms that homelessness continues to disproportionately impact Indigenous people,” the city said. “This is a direct result of colonization and strategies employed by governments that contributed to the displacement of Indigenous people from their land and separation from their cultures.”
Over 50% of respondents who identified as Indigenous and 64% of the females surveyed said they were Indigenous.
"At Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc, we know it's urgent to help our unhoused relatives with care, respect, and culturally safe support," said Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir.
"It will take all of us as local First Nations along with other levels of government, communities, and leaders working together to end discrimination and overcome the colonial legacy. We are committed to finding lasting solutions that reflect our values including offering support to those who need it most."
Other highlights from the count include:
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36% have experienced conflict or abuse with or by a spouse/partner,
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parent/guardian, landlord, or other person that has resulted in their recent housing loss.
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68% have either lived in Kamloops or have lived in Kamloops for five years or longer.
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86% meet the criteria for chronic homelessness.
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The most common barrier to housing was high rental prices (80%), followed by low income (78%) and addiction issues (48%).
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51% identified as having either an illness or a medical condition, and 53% said they had physical mobility challenges.
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43% said their health challenges impacted their ability to access services.
“The data from the Point-in-Time Count highlights how important it is for us to work with compassion. We need strong partnerships, systemic change, and sustained investment in housing, mental health, and social supports,” said Stephen Karpuk, Deputy Mayor.
“Looking ahead, a continued commitment to reconciliation, equity, and inclusive policy development will be key to addressing the root causes of homelessness and supporting long-term solutions in Kamloops.”
