Regina homeless population up 255% since 2015

It’s a number advocates say is extremely concerning.

There are currently 824 people in Regina who are homeless, according to the 2024 point-in-time homelessness count. It represents an increase of 255 per cent from 2015.

Of the total number of people experiencing homelessness, the study found that 63 per cent of them were living completely without shelter.

According to the PIT count, in 2015 the homeless population was 232 people. In 2018, that number grew to 286.

In 2021, the number grew even further, reaching 488 people.

The data gathered also shows an alarming rate of Indigenous people within the homeless population. The study found 75 per cent of individuals who responded were Indigenous.

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“Seventy-five per cent of Regina’s homeless population identifies as Indigenous, compared to 10 per cent of Regina’s general population,” the study reads.

It’s a stat that Lisa Workman, the manager of Reaching Home said comes from years of trauma.

“I think that is kind of the root cause of some of the homelessness (we see),” Worman explained. “The intergenerational trauma comes with cycles of addiction and poverty.”

The count was conducted by Namerind Housing Corporation. CEO Robert Byers said they will be meeting with the City of Regina in the new year to go through their findings and discuss possible solutions.

“Everybody has a story that got them there,” he said. “What can we do to help them get out of homelessness. I really believe that coordinated access is that big step and I  just hope that the funding keeps rolling in so that we can keep doing this.”

He said people often hear about homelessness, but never really realize how much of an issue it actually is.

“We work in it every day and we know it’s a crisis,” Byers said. “We know it’s bad out there, but the average person doesn’t and if you don’t talk about it… if you can’t provide some facts than it’s not real.

“But when you see a number like 824, that’s impactful.”

Regina mayor Chad Bachynski said it is up to all levels of government to help find solutions moving forward.

“Ultimately, we need to advocate for further dollars from the province, but the city does have a role to play.,” he said. “Right now, we need to have really tactical discussions on what is the most effective way to address some of these issues and which groups can we leverage to support us as well.”