Who to Count

Forthcoming Resources

  1. Hidden Homelessness Module
  2. Hidden Homelessness Case Study
  3. Public Systems Case Study

(view the release schedule)

The HPS Guide to PiT Counts in Canada does not put forward a definition of homelessness. However, communities may find that the Canadian Definition of Homelessness – a well-established and regarded standard that many have adopted – is a useful starting point in determining who to count. A definition of homelessness defines the scope of the problem and identifies who it is that you want to capture. Sharing a common definition – having this as the backbone of your PiT count – allows for comparability from one community to another.  

Definition

Homelessness describes the situation of an individual or family without stable, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it. It is the result of systemic or societal barriers, a lack of affordable and appropriate housing, the individual/household’s financial, mental, cognitive, behavioural or physical challenges, and/or racism and discrimination. Most people do not choose to be homeless, and the experience is generally negative, unpleasant, stressful and distressing.

Homelessness describes a range of housing and shelter circumstances, with people being without any shelter at one end, and being insecurely housed at the other. That is, homelessness encompasses a range of physical living situations, organized here in a typology that includes 1) Unsheltered, or absolutely homeless and living on the streets or in places not intended for human habitation; 2) Emergency Sheltered, including those staying in overnight shelters for people who are homeless, as well as shelters for those impacted by family violence;  3) Provisionally Accommodated, referring to those whose accommodation is temporary or lacks security of tenure, and finally, 4) At Risk of Homelessness, referring to people who are not homeless, but whose current economic and/or housing situation is precarious or does not meet public health and safety standards. It should be noted that for many people homelessness is not a static state but rather a fluid experience, where one’s shelter circumstances and options may shift and change quite dramatically and with frequency.

Read a comprehensive definition of homelessness.

This chart outlines the key categories of homelessness within the Canadian Definition of Homelessness. This typology helps you define exactly who you want to count, and ensures that when comparing results with others, the same language and categories are used. In other words, apples will be compared to apples.

Regardless of who you decide to count, it is important to remember that it is impossible for any PiT Count to enumerate all people who are experiencing homelessness. For example, while the PiT Count can yield useful information about individuals who are provisionally accommodated, the PiT Count methodology will not provide an accurate picture of the extent of the issue. That is, a PiT Count will not capture the absolute number of individuals that are provisionally accommodated.