Photo: Darren Handschuh

A homeless count has found more people living rough in Vernon.

Kelly Fehr calls Vernon's homeless situation situation a travesty.

The John Howard Society co-executive director says 44 people slept outdoors in Vernon Thursday night.

That number is based on the latest homeless count by the Howard Society and Social Planning Council.

The bi-annual count found 153 people who identified as homeless. While some stay at shelters, Howard House or addiction recovery centres, there were others with nowhere to go.

“Last year at this time, there were 33 people who were living rough outside of shelters," Fehr said Friday.

But there is some good news.

B.C. Housing has authorized an extension of the shelter’s 23 extreme weather mats to have them open 24 hours a day instead overnight only. The extension takes effect Nov. 1, and Fehr said that’s expected to increase usage because homeless people won’t have to pack up every morning and find somewhere else to go to stay warm.

One area of concern is an increase in the number of homeless women.

The women's transition house reported there were 10 homeless women in the city last year, and that number has doubled.

“We know there is a major need for housing and recovery options for women in our community, so that's what we're working towards addressing,” said Fehr.

Annette Sharkey, with the Social Planning Council, said the high cost of housing continues to be a major obstacle for many.

“For people who are marginalized, they get to a place where there really are no options,” said Sharkey.

A more detailed report on the homeless situation will be presented to city council on Monday.