Photo Credit: Alliance to end HomelessnessTiny Homes Village

A new study has shown that there are at least 1,665 people experiencing homelessness in Greater Victoria according to a Point-in-Time (PiT) count.

The report which was published today illustrated the extent of homelessness in the area. 

"A PiT Count is a strategy to help determine the extent of homelessness in the community on a given night while also providing important insight into the nature and the characteristics of those experiencing homelessness," according to the report.

Since the initial PiT was completed in 2016, there have been others completed in the Greater Victoria Area in 2018 and 2020.

In the 2020 survey there were 1,523 people identified by the PiT as homeless, but the report says it is not a direct indicator that that homelessness is increasing across the region. 

"This is not necessarily an indicator of homelessness increasing in the region as there are differences in organizations that are able to participate each year," 

The 1,665 homeless individuals were identified on the night of Mar. 7, 2023. They were found across transitional housing, temporary shelters, couches, vehicles and outdoors. In total, 765 individuals participated in the survey.

Of the 1,665 people who took part, 1096 were living in provisional accommodation, 282 were staying in an emergency shelter, 242 were unsheltered and sleeping outdoors, while 45 were in an unknown sleeping location.