Forthcoming Resources
(view the release schedule) |
Inclusivity is an essential goal for all PiT Counts and values of inclusivity and equality should guide each stage of your count. Research has shown that particular groups are disproportionately represented among homeless populations, and also that experiences of homelessness differ substantially along lines of race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, class background, health, and experiences of trauma or abuse. There are significantly diverse causes and consequences of homelessness for different groups, particularly when experiences of homelessness intersect with experiences of racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of structural disadvantage. Homeless groups that may be particularly vulnerable due to these disadvantages include Aboriginal Peoples, youth, women and children fleeing violence, newcomers, members of LGBTQ2 communities, and older adults.
Given the diversity of experiences of homelessness amongst these groups, and the diverse knowledge and insights these varied experiences generate, your community should endeavor to make your PiT Count as inclusive as possible. You should think carefully and critically about how your PiT Count will be designed to include these groups in the planning, leadership, and execution of the count. Importantly, you need to think about what steps you can take to ensure that each of these groups is accurately enumerated within the count.
In the August 2015, the COH will launch modules specific to Aboriginal Homelessness and Youth Homelessness. There is less research on engaging other marginalized groups; however, your community should ensure that everyone is accurately represented.