Help conduct anonymous surveys with people experiencing homelessness.

What is the Homeless Count?

The Homeless Count identifies people experiencing homelessness and engages them in a brief anonymous survey. The data collected is shared with government agencies, service providers, community groups, and funding organizations, for the purposes of developing programs that address homelessness. It’s also used as a measurement tool for tracking the rate of homelessness and the success of these programs.

Who is conducting the 2023 Homeless Count?

The 2023 Homeless Count in Metro Vancouver is an initiative of the Reaching Home Community Entity; Lu’ma Native Housing Society, and Community Advisory Board (CAB). The Homeless Count is delivered in partnership with the Indigenous Reaching Home Community Entity, the Indigenous Homelessness Steering Committee, the Council of Community Homelessness Tables, and Homelessness Services Association of BC. The New Westminster count is also delivered in partnership with the City of New Westminster and the New Westminster Homelessness Coalition Society.

How can you get involved?
Qualified volunteers are needed to help conduct the surveys. The street survey typically involves walking, biking or driving around a neighbourhood looking for individuals to survey. The shelter survey is conducted in various shelters across the region. Shifts range from two to seven hours, and volunteers work in teams of two. All volunteers will need to attend a training session on Monday Feb. 27, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, at Holy Trinity Cathedral. For a list of qualifications and the application form, visit the 2023 Homeless Count website.

Persons with lived experience of poverty and/or homelessness may apply for one of nine paid positions, at a rate of $35/hour.

Have questions?

For more information, contact Mariam Larson, Local Coordinator, 2023 Homeless Count: 604.515.1718 or NWCount2023@hsa-bc.ca