According to the Point in Time Count on Homelessness in 2022, at least 328 people were experiencing homelessness in Grande Prairie. The city says, of those surveyed, 75 per cent were experiencing chronic homelessness, meaning they have been homeless for 180 days or more out of the past year.
61 per cent identified as Indigenous and 124 people had visited emergency shelters on the day of the count. The count also showed adults aged 25 to 44 were the largest age group experiencing homelessness.
A Point in Time Count is a data collection survey done every two years by the City of Grande Prairie in collaboration with Alberta’s 7 Cities Network to provide a current snapshot of the demographics and number of people experiencing homelessness and to help the city examine changes in homelessness over time.
The count was conducted over two days on September 26th and 27th, 2022. Mayor Jackie Clayton says the results from this count will help make a difference in the homelessness strategy to approach ending homelessness.
“Addressing housing and homelessness needs is integral for the inclusive and caring community we want to support in Grande Prairie.”
The Point in Time Count in 2018 revealed 228 people considered homeless. Through housing programs, 126 new people were given a place to live along with 129 people who carried over from previous years.
