A survey of the homeless in the Kenora District estimates the number to be over 200.
The study was conducted by the Kenora District Services Board and partner agencies last October.
Kenora had the highest number with 121, followed by Dryden at 37 and Sioux Lookout with 36.
The survey shows 41 per cent indicated that health or mental health issues contributed to their homelessness and 38 per cent said it was substance abuse issues.
Twenty-five per cent said it was conflict with their partner.
Most of the respondents, or 166, were between the age of 25 and 55.
The majority of the homeless population is made up of men at 54%, with women making up 42% and trans-gender/queer or two-spirited adults at 2%.
The findings will be featured at a virtual public forum to address the study, possible solutions and next steps on Thursday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m.
To register visit Registration for homelessness report
Henry Wall is the Chief Administrative Officer for the KDSB and says, “We have been able to measure some positive outcomes since the first enumeration in 2018 due to increased housing stock and supportive housing programs across the continuum in some communities, but more work needs to be done.”
To view the full report visit KDSB Homelessness Findings
(With files from Tim Davidson)
