File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Victor Kaisar

Homeless Count

Latest PIT count finds 313 people experiencing homelessness in Kamloops

May 2, 2025 | 11:18 AM

KAMLOOPS — New data from the City of Kamloops shows there were 313 people found to be experiencing homeless during the Point-in-Time Count, conducted last October.

It was an increase of one person when compared to the 312 people who were found to be experiencing homelessness during the 2023 count, which was done in coordination with the Province.

Last year’s count spanned two days – Oct. 17 and 18 – and surveys were conducted over the 24-hour period. It found 204 people who were living in a shelter along with 89 people found sleeping or lying down in an unsheltered location. Another 20 people were classified as hidden homeless – people who couch surf with friends or family or sleep in vehicles.

“Data from the 2024 Point-in-Time Count will also inform the BC provincial count [which is scheduled for this year],” a report from the City’s Acting Social, Housing and Community Development Manager, Natasha Hartson said.

“Similar to in 2023, the 2024 count included surveying individuals on Tkemlúps te Secwépemc lands. Staff from Tkemlúps te Secwépemc also participated on the Point-In-Time Count Committee and provided input on the count’s planning and implementation.”

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The City had to undertake another count last year as part of its Reaching Home agreement with the federal government.

While the increase between 2023 and 2024 is negligible, the City says there has been a 229 per cent increase in homelessness in Kamloops over the past 10 years. The data, Hartson said, paints a stark picture of the challenges facing the city’s most vulnerable populations.

“The 2024 Kamloops Point-in-Time Count highlights the growing complexity and urgency of homelessness in our community,” Hartson said, in the report.

“Key findings emphasize the disproportionate representation of Indigenous Peoples, the rising number of seniors and women facing homelessness, and the significant impact of economic pressures, systemic failures, and intergenerational trauma.”

The data showed that while the most common age group of people who were homeless (31 per cent) were people 35 and 44 years old, there has also been a 26 per cent in seniors’ homelessness since 2021.

A majority of respondents (27 per cent) also said they first experienced homelessness between the age of 15 and 24. Nearly half – 45 per cent – said they first experienced homelessness before they turned 24.

Key highlights of the 2024 Point-in-Time Count. (Image Credit: City of Kamloops)

A Point-in-Time count is meant to both count the number of people experiencing homelessness at that point in time and why they are in that situation. Advocates though say the hidden homeless – like couch surfers or people living in their vehicles – are likely to be under-represented in counts like this.

“This count serves as an essential tool to guide local decision making, advocacy, and resource allocation,” Hartson wrote. “It underscores the need for a coordinated, compassionate response that includes strong partnerships, systemic change, and sustained investment in housing, mental health, and social supports.”

“Moving forward, a continued commitment to reconciliation, equity, and inclusive policy development will be vital to addressing the root causes of homelessness and supporting long-term solutions in Kamloops.”

You can read the full report – which will go before City Council on Tuesday, May 6 – here.

Recap of the 2024 Point-In-Time Count in Kamloops. (Image Credit: City of Kamloops)