By James Peters

Kamloops homeless count results reveal a troubling trend

Dec 11, 2015 | 11:05 AM

KAMLOOPS — Results from this fall’s homeless count in Kamloops show the gap between social assistance rates and rental rates is putting many people out in the cold.

The count found 106 homeless people in the city, either sleeping outdoors or in shelters.

In new numbers released by ASK Wellness today 52% of those people stated as one of the reasons they were homeless that they “can’t afford a place” to live.

ASK Wellness Executive Director Bob Hughes, speaking on behalf on the Kamloops Home Free Council, says these numbers will refocus the council’s efforts.

The report also shows 53% of respondents had been in Kamloops for a year or more and fully one-third had arrived here already homeless.

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Hughes says that last statistic is reflected in how many new faces he sees walking through downtown and the North Shore.