The City of Kamloops, in partnership with Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc, has released the 2024 Kamloops Point-in-Time Count report. 

A Point-in-Time Count provides a snapshot of the number of people experiencing homelessness within a community in a 24-hour period. The Point-in-Time Count serves two functions—to count the number of people experiencing homelessness in Kamloops over a specified period and to gather information on the demographics and service needs of the local population of unhoused individuals.

The Point-in-Time Count took place on October 17 and 18, 2024, with the support of 75 volunteers, including outreach workers, shelter staff, cultural educators, social workers, and people with lived experiences of homelessness. Data was provided from nine shelters, and surveys were completed throughout the Kamloops and Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc reserve communities. Surveys were conducted along various walking routes on streets, in parks, along riverbanks, and at three events designed to encourage participation. 

During the 24-hour period, 313 individuals were counted, and 236 surveys were completed. The information collected in these surveys will help guide decision-makers, planners, and service providers in advocating for and developing programs and services that support our communities.

Key Findings

• At least 313 people were experiencing homelessness on October 17–18, 2024.
• Over the past 10 years, there has been a 229% increase in homelessness in Kamloops. 
• Since 2021, there has been a 26% increase in seniors’ homelessness. 
• Among survey respondents, 68% identified as men, 31% identified as female, and 1% 
  identified as another gender identity. 
• Those who identified as female increased from 22% in 2021 to 31% in 2024. This equates to a 41% increase in female homelessness in Kamloops.
•  Of those surveyed, 45% first experienced homelessness during their youth (0–24 years of age).
•  Of those surveyed, 37% identified as being a part of the foster care system as a youth.
• Of those who first experienced homelessness as a youth, 53% also experienced the 
  foster care system.
•  Of those surveyed, 36% have experienced conflict or abuse with or by a spouse/partner, 
  parent/guardian, landlord, or other person that has resulted in their recent housing loss. 
• Of those who responded, 68% have either lived in Kamloops or have lived in Kamloops for five years or longer. 
• Of those surveyed, 86% meet the criteria for chronic homelessness. 
• The most common barrier to housing was high rental prices (80%), followed by low income (78%) and addiction issues (48%).  
• Of those who responded, 51% identified as having either an illness or a medical condition, and 53% said they had physical mobility challenges. 
• Of those who responded, 43% said their health challenges impacted their ability to 
  access services.

The Point-in-Time Count surveys confirms that homelessness continues to disproportionately impact Indigenous people. This is a direct result of colonization and strategies employed by governments that contributed to the displacement of Indigenous people from their land and separation from their cultures.

• 55% of respondents identified as Indigenous, which indicates a significant and growing overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the unhoused population of this region (both on and off-reserve). 
• Of the survey respondents who identified as female, 64% also identified as Indigenous, which indicates a disproportionate number of Indigenous females are experiencing homelessness. 
• Respondents who identified as Indigenous stated they were more likely to face discrimination (33%) as a barrier to housing compared to respondents who did not identify as Indigenous (3%).
• 33% of respondents stated that they had residential school experience, which means they, their parent(s), and/or their grandparent(s) attended a residential school. 

This count serves as an essential tool to guide local decision-making, advocacy, and resource allocation. The 2024 Kamloops Point-in-Time Count highlights the growing complexity and urgency of homelessness in our community. Key findings emphasize the disproportionate representation of Indigenous people, the rising number of seniors and women facing homelessness, and the significant impact of economic pressures, systemic failures, and intergenerational trauma.

"At Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc, we know it's urgent to help our unhoused relatives with care, respect, and culturally safe support. It will take all of us as local First Nations along with other levels of government, communities, and leaders working together to end discrimination and overcome the colonial legacy. We are committed to finding lasting solutions that reflect our values including offering support to those who need it most," said Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir. 

“The data from the Point-in-Time Count highlights how important it is for us to work with compassion. We need strong partnerships, systemic change, and sustained investment in housing, mental health, and social supports,” said Stephen Karpuk, Deputy Mayor. “Looking ahead, a continued commitment to reconciliation, equity, and inclusive policy development will be key to addressing the root causes of homelessness and supporting long-term solutions in Kamloops.” 

Access the 2024 Kamloops Point-in-Time Count Report at Kamloops.ca/PIT.