File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Aaron Schulze

Homelessness in Kamloops

Provincial data suggests rise in local homeless population due to residents falling into homelessness: City of Kamloops

Feb 7, 2024 | 7:46 AM

KAMLOOPS — Numbers from the B.C. government show more residents with no fixed address or on income or disability assistance are leaving Kamloops than moving to the city.

However, they also show more Kamloops residents are falling into housing insecurity in homelessness.

In a news release issued Tuesday (Feb. 6) night, the City of Kamloops unveiled the data it received from B.C. Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

From 2019 to 2023, the province reports the monthly average of no fixed address net moves is minus two.

Image credit: City of Kamloops

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During that time, though, the province reports the average monthly BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA) case count involving residents with no fixed address rose year-over-year. Additionally, the percentage of BCEA cases involving residents with no fixed address rose year-over-year from 6.3 per cent in 2019 to 9.6 per cent in 2023.

Image credit: City of Kamloops

The city adds its 2023 Point-in-Time Count identified that only 10 per cent of unhoused respondents had been in Kamloops for less than one year and 59 per cent have either always lived in Kamloops or have been there for more than five years.

“It’s enlightening to see evidence suggesting that the rise in homelessness is primarily due to local residents facing difficulties rather than an influx from outside,” Alfred Achoba, Canadian Mental Health Association Kamloops executive director says. “This perspective is crucial in shaping our approach and strategies for tackling homelessness. Many individuals seeking our services have long-standing ties to the community. The increase in homelessness is a complex issue, often intertwined with factors such as mental health challenges, affordability crises, and inadequate support systems.”

The city notes while not having a fixed address does not necessarily mean that someone is experiencing homelessness, it’s a strong indicator the individual may be insecurely housed. Whether staying in a shelter, living on the street or in parks, or potentially among those considered to be “hidden homeless” with no fixed address due to couch surfing or living in a vehicle.

The city credits community partner agencies that have helped repatriate unhoused residents from outside of Kamloops back to their home communities where supports are identified, and it is safe to do so. It includes:

• Canadian Mental Health Association Kamloops helping 67 individuals in 2022 and 82 individuals in 2023
• ASK Wellness Society helping 17 individuals between April 2021 and March 2022, 25 between April 2022 and March 2023, and 18 between April 2023 and August 2023
• Connective Support Society Kamloops helping eight individuals between September 2022 and September 2023
• Interior Community Services helping 10 youth return to their home community or to another community to reunite with family in 2023
• A Way Home Kamloops helping four youth in 2023