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Prince Albert, SK – The results of the 2024 Point-in-Time (PiT) Count have been released, highlighting a rise in homelessness in the city. Conducted on October 23, 2024, by volunteers and participating agencies, the count identified 230 individuals experiencing homelessness in Prince Albert. Of those, 106 were unsheltered, indicating they were not couch-surfing, using a shelter, transitional centre, or incarcerated.
The PiT Count is a community-level measure that provides a snapshot of homelessness by identifying individuals and families in emergency shelters, unsheltered locations, and correctional facilities. Surveys conducted from October 22-24 provided additional insight:
- 122 individuals of the 190 respondents had attended a shelter.
- 64 individuals reported staying in an encampment.
Volunteers followed strict safety guidelines throughout the process. Bylaw and community outreach teams assisted in identifying encampments, though capturing accurate numbers in unsheltered locations proved challenging. Factors such as a large encampment being dismantled earlier in the month and individuals taking extra precautions to avoid detection may have contributed to underreporting.
The previous PiT Count, conducted in 2022, recorded 120 individuals experiencing homelessness, with 57 of those being unsheltered. This year’s numbers have nearly doubled. While increased volunteer participation, enhanced sector involvement, and seasonal factors may have contributed to the higher count, they do not fully account for the significant rise in homelessness.
Anna Dinsdale, Community Safety and Well-Being Manager, emphasized the importance of using this data to drive collaborative solutions. “The Point-in-Time Count data helps us understand the growing need for services and supports in our community. While this count provides a snapshot, we know that homelessness is a complex issue requiring strong partnerships and innovative responses. Prince Albert’s community partners have been working hard to increase knowledge of and responses to homelessness, and this data underscores the urgency of that work.”
The City of Prince Albert and its partners remain committed to addressing homelessness and working toward long-term, sustainable solutions.
Media Contact:
Anna Dinsdale
Community Safety and Well-Being Manager
306.953.4884
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