In order to gain an understanding of the issues facing homeless persons in the South Okanagan, the Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre, along with community partners, applied for and received funding from Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) to conduct a needs assessment.  A homelessness Stakeholders Committee was formed and Homelessness Outreach Worker hired to conduct the study as well provide direct services to those experiencing homelessness.

The goals of the project were:

1. To confirm the extent of homelessness in the South Okanagan (Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos).
2. To determine the causes of homelessness in a small, rural community and educate the public accordingly.
3. To develop an ongoing strategy and plan to prevent homelessness and to support homeless individuals and families.
4. To develop community interest and obtain funding from local, provincial and/or federal agencies for ongoing support.
5. To build community capacity for examining other social problems in the community.

The Stakeholders committee adapted the United Nations definitions of “Absolute Homelessness” and “Relative Homelessness” for the purposes of the study.  “Absolute Homelessness” was defined as a situation in which an individual or family has no housing at all or is staying in a temporary form of shelter.  “Relative Homelessness” was defined as a situation in which people’s homes did not meet basic standards.

The challenges faced by homeless persons has been well documented in urban centers across Canada.  However, relatively few studies have been conducted in rural settings.  In addition, the South Okanagan has many unique characteristics that were thought to have an impact on the homelessness situation in the region.  Specifically, two of the region’s most important economic activities were agriculture (including the wine industry) and tourism.  Both of these economic activities result in an abundance of seasonal jobs, but relatively few full time jobs.

Several studies of homelessness had been conducted in the Interior of British Columbia.  These were reviewed and utilized to inform this research project.  Based on the review and feedback from Stakeholder Committee members, two surveys were conducted simultaneously:

• A survey of homeless persons utilizing a snowball sampling technique
• A survey of Service providing organizations in the South Okanagan

A total of 44 persons who were homeless or at risk of homelessness were surveyed over a three week period.  The majority of respondents were single males between the ages of 20 and 40 years and had a high school education.  The respondents ranged in age from 17 to over 60 years.  There were a significant number of French speaking persons represented (8%) even though their representation in the general population is relatively small (less than 1%).  Approximately 40% of those surveyed were living in a situation of absolute homelessness, with the remaining 60% considered to be at risk.  The primary reasons given for not being able to access stable housing were;

• No or low income
• A lack of knowledge of places to stay
• A lack of supports and assistance
• A lack of affordable housing
• Smoking

The majority of those surveyed had some form of employment at the time of the survey, though none was able to access full time stable employment.  The primary reasons given were;

• No available jobs
• A lack of proper documentation
• A lack of required skills or experience

The vast majority of those surveyed lived on less than $1000/month, with approximately 50% of that income going to pay for shelter.  Approximately one third of those surveyed were supporting children with their income.

While the sources of income varied, less than 30% of those surveyed were receiving some form of government benefit, a figure consistent with the average for the general population.  Employment income and income from cash work were the most common sources of income.

The most commonly cited need of those surveyed was affordable housing, followed by jobs or job training.  Correcting system problems and having a more caring service provider network were also commonly cited.  Those surveyed often commented on the lack of compassion and support from service providers as well as the challenges in accessing services.

A total of 13 service providing organizations responded to the Support Network Provider Survey, a response rate of approximately 30%.  Most of the organizations surveyed were providing information/resources or referrals and counseling type services.  Free food and clothing were also commonly offered.  As was anticipated, the organizations reported serving fewer homeless persons during the winter months, though the variation was only slight.  The consistency would suggest that many homeless persons are ‘indigenous’ and remain in the region year round.

The following were identified by service providers as the most pressing needs for their clients;

• Low Cost/Affordable Housing
• Safe, Supporting Recovery Houses
• Employment Services/Job Training
• Services for Renters
• Advocacy/Outreach Worker

Most of the respondents believed that the needs were increasing.

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

1)     Increase awareness among service providers and the community at large of the problems facing homeless persons and the importance of respect and dignity.

2)     Build community capacity to address the lack of affordable and flexible housing.

3)     Increase the availability of job training programs.

4)     Increase the coordination between and accessibility of existing services.

Executive Summary

1) Introduction

            1.1) Background of the Homelessness Project

            1.2) Goals & Objectives of the Project

            1.3) Purpose of the Needs Assessment

            1.4) Homelessness Stakeholders Committee

            1.5) Homelessness Outreach Worker

2) Definition of Homelessness

3) The South Okanagan Context

            3.1) General Characteristics

            3.2) The People

            3.3) Economy, Employment & Income

            3.4) Housing

4) Review of Homelessness Research

            4.1) Research Methodology & Results

            4.2) Research Recommendations

            4.3) Conclusions

5) Study Methodology

            5.1) Measurement Instrument

            5.2) Sampling & Data Collection

            5.3) Privacy & Confidentiality

6) Study Results, Analysis & Discussion

            6.1) Characteristics of Homeless Persons

            6.2) Housing History & Present Living Situation of Homeless Persons

            6.3) Health Status of Homeless Persons

            6.4) Employment & Income Status of Homeless Persons

            6.5) Community Resources Accessed by Homeless Persons

            6.6) Identified Needs of Homeless Persons

            6.7) Comments of Respondents

            6.8) Support Network Provider Survey Results

            6.9) Limitations

7) Recommendations

References

Appendix A: Participant Survey

Appendix B: Support Network Provider Survey