Winnipeg is taking a closer look at the city’s unhoused population to examine what needs to be done to help support it.

Ending homelessness Winnipeg launched its street census Tuesday. Volunteers will take to the streets between Wednesday and Friday for a point-in-time count, where they will count the number of unhoused people in Winnipeg during those dates and ask them what their greatest needs are.

“We see the full picture of homelessness; who is affected, where and why,” said Jackie Hunt, senior director of strategy and impact at End Homelessness Winnipeg.

“This information will help us understand the extent of homelessness here in Winnipeg. »

Hunt said the count will also highlight service gaps in Winnipeg.

“We will know where mental health, affordable housing or other resources may be needed, and that will guide decisions and funding,” she said.

Volunteers will work from four locations during the point-in-time count: Thunderbird House, End Homelessness Winnipeg, The Link and Mount Carmel Clinic. Organizers are also counting four days to speak with more people.

THE the most recent count took place in May 2022 and counted 1,256 homeless people. Of this number, 75 percent were indigenous and less likely to access accommodation services due to perceived discrimination. The report also found that more than half of homeless people had previously participated in CFS and more than half were still homeless despite receiving employment and income support.