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Counting homeless youth in New Westminster

Metro Vancouver is trying to get a more accurate picture of the number of youth who are homeless.
Homelessness
Local churches and faith groups are working with the city to help the city's most vulnerable citizens access food and services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Metro Vancouver is trying to get a more accurate picture of the number of youth who are homeless.

Last month, the region conducted its first ever Youth Homelessness Count from April 4 to 12, conducting anonymous surveys at youth centres, high schools, shelters and other youth-serving organizations. The 2018 youth homeless count has three main goals:

* To collect accurate data on the number of homeless youth in the region so government agencies and organizations are able to provide appropriate policies and services.

* To understand the causes and condition that lead to youth homelessness in Metro Vancouver.

* To raise awareness of the incidence and issues of youth homelessness and to demonstrate the need for enhanced government supports and solutions.

Christina Grammenos, community engagement coordinator with Aunt Leah’s Place, said the count hopes to get a more accurate of the number of youth who are homeless, some who may be missed in the general homeless count.

“Shelters, they tend to be less comfortable places for young people. They just feel less safe. There is more reliance on couch surfing and sleeping rough,” she said. “Part of what we are trying to do with this youth homelessness count is not rely specifically at a point-in-time count.”

Grammenos said it’s hoped that getting more accurate numbers about the number of homeless youth will help build public awareness and lead to changes and increased funding to address the issue. She said it’s also hoped it could spur people who might have rental suites to get involved with the Friendly Landlord Network.

A 2015 survey by the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness’s national youth homeless strategy found that nearly 60 per cent of homeless youth had previous or current involvement with child welfare.