144 homeless in Vernon

Photo: Ray Hammond

A survey of Vernon's homeless population last October found 144 people without a place to call home.

The count was led by the John Howard Society and conducted over a 15-hour period between Oct. 18-19.

The homeless survey found:

• 27 per cent were female and 73 per cent were male
• 48 per cent had grown up in Vernon or had family connections
• 27 per cent of respondents indicated they had been in the foster care system
• 21 per cent identified as aboriginal or having indigenous ancestry
• Average age for sleeping outside was 39 years (men) and 40 years (women)
• Average age in the shelters was 52 years (men) and 51 years (women)

The survey was conducted after a spike in the number of homeless camps in Vernon last summer.

“There was a downward trend for a number of years, but now the number of camps is increasing,” states a report that will be presented to Vernon city council on Monday. “Of more concern, is the number of people being observed in the camps.

“Traditionally, the camps were small with only one or two tents. In 2016, two areas in particular were seen to have larger groupings of people sleeping rough, with five or six tents in close proximity to each other. Although there were more camps in 2009, the number of people in the camps this year appears to be equal to 2009.”

Although addiction issues are high on the list of why people are homeless, the report states the main cause of homelessness in Vernon is low income and high rents.

“This was the overwhelming response by survey participants and is supported by local data and community indicators. When rental vacancy rates are low, people with barriers (such as mental health and substance use issues) are pushed out of the rental market.”

The survey was conducted with homeless citizens both in the shelters and citizens sleeping outside.