In Canada, and elsewhere, there is a growing recognition that youth homelessness is a distinct and pressing issue; an issue that every community faces. Over the last few years, we have seen an increased and deliberate effort to implement tailored strategies specifically towards addressing youth homelessness. As noted in the State of Homelessness 2014, “if the causes and conditions of youth homelessness are distinct, so must be the solutions” [ref].
Our collective progress is undeniable. Notably, in 2015 the Government of Alberta launched its provincial plan – a first of its kind – to prevent and reduce youth homelessness. Similarly, at a local level, communities such as Kingston, ON and Kamloops, BC - as part of the Mobilizing Local Capacity program - have developed and are implementing plans to end youth homelessness.
We have recognized that youth homelessness, in any amount, is unacceptable. But, in an effort to end youth homelessness, we must first understand the true extent of the issue. Then, we must measure our progress. With each strategy, initiative and plan to end youth homelessness we must ask ourselves: are we effectively working towards our shared goal?
Here, lies the importance of Point-in-Time (PiT) Counts. The 2016 HPS Coordinated Count provides a significant opportunity to build on the efforts made towards ending youth homelessness. Communities that are conducting a PiT Count for the first time will understand the extent to which youth homelessness is an issue. Communities that have previously conducted a PiT Count will measure their progress against their efforts. Collectively, we will paint a clearer picture of youth homelessness in Canada.
However, the benefits of the 2016 HPS Coordinated Count, relative to youth homelessness, can only be realised if participating communities implement targeted strategies to engage and enumerate youth. If the causes, conditions and solutions for youth homelessness are distinct, so too are the strategies required to measure it.
This module – as part of the COH PiT Count Toolkit – will help communities to practically and accurately enumerate youth during the 2016 HPS Coordinated Count. In late 2015, the COH will launch enhanced guidance, for those communities that are considering a dedicated Youth PiT Count following the 2016 HPS Coordinated Count.