Like other communities across Canada, communities across Durham Region face the issue of homelessness. For the first time throughout Durham Region, a “Point in Time” (PiT) Count will be conducted, giving a snapshot of homelessness on one specific day. The PiT Count will take place in mid-February 2017 and is being organized by the Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) and Durham Mental Health Services (DMHS).

“Homelessness in Durham Region has many faces,” says DMHS Regional Housing Coordinator Marni Bell, “The PiT Count will improve our understanding of the needs and circumstances of the people who are affected by homelessness in our community. The survey will provide us with key data on gender, age, ethnicity, veteran status and more.”

The Point-in-Time Count depends on a team of volunteers who will canvass Durham Region to identify individuals who experience homelessness. Marni explains, “We are looking for volunteers who will be able to participate in this count which will take place outdoors late on a mid-February evening across Durham Region.”

“Communities across Durham Region have decided to join the movement towards ending homelessness by participating in this first region-wide PiT Count,” says PiT Count Coordinator Kyle Pakeman of Community Development Council Durham. “Throughout Canada, there has been a monumental shift in how we think about homelessness. Most importantly, there has been recognition that homelessness of any amount is unacceptable. By counting the minimum number of homeless individuals and families we have in our community, we will be able to both understand their needs and take the next step towards ending homelessness.”

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact DMHS PiT Count Volunteer Coordinator Doreen Hume McKenna at dhumemckenna@dmhs.ca.