Homeless Count Tables - City of Prince George

Prince George Homeless Count Report 2010
challenging in smaller communities. Challenges such as these can cause a delay in the planning process
which, in turn, can result in a ‘rush’ to finalize and complete the Count within the set time frame.
It is important to stress that the time set for the count is crucial in a northern community. While CPAH
committee members first considered a fall count, the committee is busy with Homelessness Action
Week during that time. Winter was also considered; however, many agencies report that a significant
number of homeless individuals ‘couch surf’ or return to their home communities over the winter
months due to the cold. In the end, CPAH decided it would be most sensible for comparative purposes
to conduct the second homeless count during the same month as the 2008 Count. In addition, the
month of May is a time that ensures the count includes individuals who are still using available shelter
and have not yet moved on to other communities, as is common during the summer months. Prince
George is the central service centre for the entire northern region and a significant number of the city’s
homeless population does not necessarily call this community home, but rather come to the city in
order to access services not available in their home communities. Consequently, CPAH does not have
the luxury of delaying the Count should the need arise; rather, it places additional pressure on the group
to ensure that the Count takes place on time.
In the case of the 2010 Count, this meant that additional ‘on the spot’ ethics training had to occur with
last-minute volunteers, some volunteers completed several geographical areas, and additional CPAH
members were called upon at the last minute to participate in the count. While a successful count was
conducted, these are areas of concern that CPAH will continue to work on in future counts to ensure
that every count can result in consistent and comparative activities and data.
2.3 Volunteer Recruitment and Coordination
Volunteers were recruited from various agencies and community organizations in Prince George during
the months of March through May 2010. Over 50 volunteers participated in the 24 hour homeless
count. In order to train the homeless count volunteers, CPAH hosted a volunteer information session
that provided all volunteers with an information package about the purpose and logistics of the
Homeless Count. This two-hour volunteer information and training session was held at the Fire Pit in
Prince George, May 6 th 2010. All volunteers were provided with a detailed street count information
sheet, including respectful communication practices and information about rescue packs for distribution
to people being approached to complete a survey. A second information and training session was held
at the AWAC Activity Centre on May 16 th , 2010 (AWAC is an Association Advocating for Women and
Children in Prince George).
Prior to the start of the Count, volunteers were divided into groups of street counters and agency
counters and several volunteers were tasked with the delivery and organization of supplies throughout
the community. At the conclusion of the count, volunteers were asked to complete a volunteer
information form to gather feedback about their participation and experiences during the count, as well
as for record keeping purposes.
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