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The results of the first Point-In-Time Homeless Count in North Bay are in, and 30 people are absolutely homeless.

The snapshot was taken over 24 hours on February 25th.

The figure includes those staying in shelters and unsheltered locations.

Another 25 people are staying in transitional housing, including housing and supports for those suffering from substance abuse and addiction or serious mental illness.

Another 43 people were identified as being at risk of homelessness. Another 76 individuals with “no fixed address” were staying at the hospital.

Chair of the PiT Count Steering Committee Kayt Elliott says it’s not a surprise that there is a homeless population locally, pointing out they now have a baseline.

But, more than just the figures a local survey was done too, asking people different questions.

“What services are you using, what services do you think you need help from. Trying to find the mindsets of the individuals.” She says, “It was all a self-reported study, so what they feel led them into homelessness and how many times have you been homeless in the past”

Meantime, Elliott says federal and community reports are being compiled.

“We’re going to take that information and see what direction we want to go to, what are our gaps, what are our strengths in the community and just truly figure out how to help the population that we’re serving”.

The figures will help form homelessness policies and plans, improve service delivery, outcomes and advocacy.

Additional PiT Count results will be released after further analysis of the date.