Homelessness studied

Dozens of people from a variety of social service agencies were involved in a homeless count yesterday.

Stephen D’Sousa, executive director of the Homelessness Services Association of BC was impressed by the number of local agencies who participated.

“We’re working with quite a few different agencies including the Port Alberni Friendship Centre, CMHA, ADAPTS, Kuu-us, INEO, PASS, Sage Haven, Salvation Army and the Bread of Life,” he said. “It’s really a community that comes together for one day to try to connect with as many people as possible, have some great conversations, get a better understanding of who is struggling with homelessness and what their experiences are like.”

D’Sousa said this is the final homelessness survey on Vancouver Island this year, after similar studies were completed in Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, Parksville and Campbell River.

According to the last homelessness study in Port Alberni 2 years ago there were 125 people experiencing some form of homelessness.

D’Sousa said initial results should be released this summer and a full report in the fall.