For the first time in 20 years, homelessness is on the decline in Calgary, according to the results of a count performed last month.
The Calgary Homeless Foundation reported an 11.4 per cent reduction in the number of homeless Calgarians compared to four years ago.
The Jan. 18 count found 3,190 experiencing homelessness, compared to 3,601 people in 2008.
“It shows that our 10 Year Plan (to end homelessness) is working,” said Tim Richter, president and CEO of the foundation. “We’ve stopped the growth and begun to turn it around but we’ve got a lot of work left to do.”
Jennifer Sputek, a 34-year-old mother of twin boys, said if it weren’t for subsidized housing, she would still be on the streets selling crack to make ends meet.
While she’s thankful for the affordable housing, more needs to be done, she said.
Yvette Rasmussen, executive director of Inn From the Cold, agrees. She says family homelessness, especially among aboriginal and immigrant families, is on the rise in the city.
“Last year was particularly challenging for us. We did spend 159 days of the year over-capacity, which is profound,” Rasmussen said.
She said the first priority for social agencies should be creating more two- and three-bedroom affordable apartments for families.
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