Media Release:  TBDSSAB Reports Homelessness Enumeration Results from 2021 Point in Time Count Data

January 28, 2022 – The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) has published the results of the 2021 Point in Time Count.

The Point in Time (PiT) Count took place across the District of Thunder Bay on October 2, 2021. Previous PiT Counts for the District of Thunder Bay took place in 2016 and 2018.

The information collected through the PiT Count provides an understanding of the demographics of the homeless population in the District of Thunder Bay at that point in time, as well as local information associated with homelessness, including the involvement in the child welfare system, substance use and mental health.

The detailed results of the 2021 PiT Count are available in the report. Some key takeaways include:

  • In 2021, PiT Count surveys were available for completion in Thunder Bay, Greenstone, Nipigon, Schreiber, Marathon, and Conmee.
  • A total of 221 individuals completed the survey. Though this is less than in previous years, this number should not be interpreted as a decrease in the homeless population.
  • There were people using various forms of temporary shelter that evening who did not complete a survey. When the numbers provided by shelters, hospitals and other institutions are factored in, there were a total of 410 people counted by community agencies.
  • For the past year, the TBDSSAB has managed a by-name list through the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS). At the beginning of October, there were 693 individuals active on the by-name list in the District of Thunder Bay. The by-name list is a much more accurate indicator of the number of people experiencing homelessness in the District of Thunder Bay.

The 2021 PiT Count was funded by The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB), and administered in partnership with TBDSSAB, Lakehead Social Planning Council (LSPC), Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre (TBIFC), and with support from the Rural Cupboard Food Bank and People Advocating for Change through Empowerment (PACE).

Quotes:

  • “A lot of important work and community partnerships have been put in place since the results of the 2018 Point in Time Count. Since 2018, 298 homeless individuals have been housed through TBDSSAB programs. We thank all the organizations and volunteers involved in the 2021 Point in Time Count, as well as those who put the work in every day to help alleviate homelessness in our District.” – Lucy Kloosterhuis, Chair, TBDSSAB
  • “Because of so many variables—including things like the weather, the pandemic, and the stigma around homelessness that may impact upon someone’s willingness to identify as being unhoused—we know there are more people experiencing homelessness than the 221 people who completed the survey. We included the by-name list information because we do feel it is a more accurate representation of people experiencing homelessness.” – Bill Bradica, CAO, TBDSSAB

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