'Where did you sleep last night?' One question aims to measure homelessness in Portage

Portage la Prairie is looking for volunteers to help count people experiencing homelessness as part of a national initiative taking place next week.

The Point-in-Time (PiT) Count is scheduled for Nov. 10, with volunteers expected to begin canvassing the community at 6 a.m.

Annelise Wilchowy-Hagman, Point-in-Time Count coordinator with the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, says the initiative provides a 24-hour snapshot of homelessness by gathering information about where people stayed the previous night.

Volunteers will conduct a brief survey with people they encounter, asking one question: "Where did you sleep last night?"

Organizers are hoping to recruit as many volunteers as possible to cover a larger area of Portage, expected to stretch from 3rd Street to 18th Street.

Hidden homelessness remains difficult to count

While some people experiencing homelessness may be visible in the community, others are staying temporarily with friends or family, making them harder to reach.

Wilchowy-Hagman says organizers are taking additional steps to capture those experiences.

Part of her role involves contacting hospitals, jails, transitional housing facilities and mental health services to determine how many people stayed at those facilities on the night of the count without a permanent address to return to.

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Organizers are also advertising through drop-in centres and food banks to reach people who may be couch surfing or living in overcrowded, multigenerational households.

"The more data we get for those who are unhoused, the more funding we can advocate for for the community," says Wilchowy-Hagman.

That funding could help support shelters and other community services for people experiencing homelessness.

Volunteers to receive breakfast and debriefing

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) building will serve as the headquarters for the count.

Volunteers will be invited back for a warm breakfast following the morning canvass. People experiencing homelessness who participate will also be offered breakfast and outreach kits containing basic winter supplies.

Wilchowy-Hagman encourages volunteers to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable clothing, as they will be doing a considerable amount of walking.

She also stresses the importance of personal safety, advising volunteers to leave any situation where they feel uncomfortable.

A debriefing opportunity will be available afterward for anyone who wants to discuss their experiences.

Portage Mayor Sharilyn Knox has also volunteered to participate.

Part of first national homelessness count

While Portage has conducted smaller homelessness counts in the past, Wilchowy-Hagman says this year's initiative is part of a coordinated national effort.

The count will take place across Canada, providing communities with information that can help identify local needs and advocate for additional supports.

The Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation is working with local partners, including the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation and CMHA.

Organizers will continue accepting volunteers until the morning of Nov. 10. Those interested in participating can register by emailing pitcount@bnrc.ca.

Sign-up sheets will also be available at the CMHA building on the morning of the count.