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Every two years since 1992, The City of Calgary has conducted a census, or "count," of homekss persons. This provides information that is used for ongoing research and planning activities at The City and in the community.
The 2004 count provided important new information on the community response to homelessness in Calgary. It more than doubled the number of facilities that were surveyed in 2002 to provide a comprehensive picture of the homeless-serving community in Calgary. It also enlarged the borders of the "street count" to include many new areas where homeless persons are known to live. This new comprehensive baseline was added to again in 2006, when a total of 51 facilities, nine service agencies, and 157 volunteer street enumerators participated in the Biennial Count of Homeless Persons in Calgary on May 10. In total, 3,436 homeless persons were enumerated that night: 2,823 in facilities, 184 by service agencies, and 429 on the streets. This paper discusses the evolution of the Biennial Count of Homeless Persons in Calgary and summarizes the findings of the 2006 count.
Why count the homeless? Between 1989 and 1992, several studies were done in an attempt to understand the extent of homelessness in Calgary. Definitions and methods varied widely and produced a range of results - from 30 street dwellers, to 800 unique individuals using two shelters over a one-month period, to more than 15,000 persons who were temporarily homeless or considered to be at risk of homelessness. City Council asked for a report (within weeks) that used reliable data and could be replicated over time. A Street Liaison Committee provided advice, and the first count took place in May 1992.
The count is undertaken every two years on a Wednesday in mid-May because service providers identified the need to select a date when the effects of income receipt are moderated. However, this practice does not account for seasonal variation, which "may minimize the extent of homelessness by counting at a time when street homelessness is less visible" (Crawley, 2001, p. 9).
Based on consultations with the Street Liaison Committee, the City of Calgary adopted a definition of homeless persons that has been used since 1992 and reported in every published count undertaken since 1996. For the City...