Homelessness on P.E.I. has more than doubled

The John Howard Society on Prince Edward Island has reported that homelessness on the Island has more than doubled in the past three years. The 2024 Point in Time count identified 318 homeless individuals, significantly up from 147 in 2021. Conor Mullin, the society’s president, explained that this year's count included a broader survey across the entire Island, rather than just focusing on urban areas like Charlottetown and Summerside. This indicates that homelessness is an issue affecting all communities on P.E.I., not just specific regions. The report highlights increasing homelessness among diverse groups, including newcomers, Indigenous people, and veterans. Mullin pointed out that the expanding population is facing more challenges. He noted that many individuals seeking help may be from other counties but reside in Queens County for easier access to services. The count took place over 24 hours from September 30 to October 1, 2024, and involved outreach to people in various locations where the homeless typically gather. While the larger area surveyed contributed to the higher total, the data suggests a real rise in homelessness overall. Demographic information was also collected. It showed a significant increase in homelessness among newcomers, rising from 1% in 2021 to 3% in 2024. Indigenous homelessness grew from 9% to 17% during the same period. Veterans experiencing homelessness also increased, but there are federal programs in place to help this group. Looking ahead, the John Howard Society plans to conduct another count in 2025, with a combination count and survey planned for 2026.