Photo: file photo

New data released this week through the provincial government’s homeless count provides insight into Penticton’s homeless population and the challenges they face.

Penticton was one of 12 B.C. communities included in this year’s provincially-funded count.

Volunteers spread out through the community on April 30 in an attempt to connect with as many without a home as possible.

The count found 108 homeless Penticton residents. The majority of those, 68, had a bed in a homeless shelter. The other 40, however, were rough sleepers — curling up in a doorway, under a bush, or in a tent.

Social service providers and RCMP have long pushed back against the notion that Penticton’s homeless come from outside the region, and they appear to be mostly correct.

While 23 per cent of local homeless reported being in the community for less than one year, close to 50 per cent have called Penticton home for more than a decade.

More than half (53 per cent) of local homeless say they have been on the streets for less than one year.

The survey also asked respondents about the prevalence of mental health, addictions and other disabilities.

Fifty-six per cent self-reported mental health issues, 64 per cent said they struggled with addiction, 41 per cent had a physical disability and 43 per cent said they had other health problems or illnesses.

As far as age, 60 per cent are between 25 and 54 years old. Fifteen per cent are under 25.

Twenty-four per cent are Indigenous. 63 per cent are male.

Across B.C., 7,655 homeless were counted in participating communities.

This is the first time a homeless count was carried out on a provincial level.

“In the coming months, we will be looking to other levels of government and our community partners to help us deliver a wide range of supports, with a focus on early intervention services that will help prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place," said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

The full study can be read here.