Homeless enumeration is a count of the minimum number of people who are experiencing homelessness in a community over a specific period of time. Enumeration involves gathering information about the demographic characteristics, circumstances, and needs of those experiencing homelessness in our communities.

Click here to access the 2018 Enumeration Results.

Click here to access the 2021 Enumeration Results.

 Background
In 2016, following the passage of the Promoting Affordable Housing Act, 2016, Ontario became the first province/territory in Canada to require local homeless enumeration. In partnership with Service Managers, Indigenous partners, and other community partners, the government has developed a homeless enumeration approach that is outcomes-focused, people-centred, promotes partnership and relationship building, provides local flexibility, and builds on

enumerations done to date.

Pursuant to s. 19.1 of the Housing Services Act, 2011 (the “Act”), the Minister of Housing has directed that, enumeration shall be conducted by Service Managers, of persons who are homeless.  As a result, Service Managers are required to develop an Enumeration Plan, outlining the manner in which the enumeration will be conducted.  They shall submit the Enumeration Plan to the Minister for comment no later than six months before conducting the enumeration. The local Enumeration Plan will be completed in November 2017.

As the designated Service Manager for the City of Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, the Cornwall SDG Human Services Department will be conducting enumeration in May 2018.  It will be required every two years, thereafter, within the months of March, April or May. 
 How is homelessness defined?
Homelessness “describes the situation of an individual or family without stable, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it.”

Enumeration will include three types of homelessness:

  • Unsheltered – those sleeping in public spaces or places not intended for human habitation because they have nowhere else to stay
  • Emergency Sheltered – those who are accessing emergency shelters, including violence against women shelters, or hotel/motel beds in lieu of shelter beds
  • Provisionally Accommodated – those who are living in temporary accommodations with no guarantee that they can continue to stay there. This includes hidden homelessness (e.g. couch-surfing) and temporary rentals (e.g. motels, rooming houses). It also includes transitional housing and institutions (e.g. hospitals, residential treatment programs) where individuals may be discharged into a state of homelessness.
 Why is enumeration important?
Enumeration provides basic information that can:
  • Improve our understanding of the extent of homelessness in our communities and the characteristics, circumstances, and needs of those experiencing homelessness,
  • Strengthen our ability to support those experiencing homelessness, and
  • Inform community actions to prevent and reduce homelessness in our communities.

 

 

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