Winnipeg homeless census targets breakfast programs

An effort to count Winnipeg's homeless population began with a smudging ceremony on Monday before volunteers fanned out to visit breakfast programs atSiloam Mission andAgape Table.

The first-ever homeless census, organized byWinnipeg's Social Planning Council,launched Sunday evening at 7 p.m. when hundreds of volunteers visitedemergency shelters, transitional housing locations anddrop-in centres.

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Christina Maes Ninosaid 223 people were counted Sunday evening and volunteers were surprised how forthcoming the individuals were with their stories.

"They were at emergency shelters where people had been spending all day trying to keep warm or find a meal and yet they still had time to sit down and tell them their stories.And they thanked the volunteers for surveying them," she said.

The goal of the censusis toput a number tohow many people callthe streets and shelters home, which will enable agencies to better target their resources. Similar surveys have taken place in other Canadian cities.

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Nino knows they won't catch everyone, but at least they'llhave a clearer idea of the situation in Winnipeg.

To make sure people aren't counted multiple times, those surveyed are asked tolet other census takers know if they've been spoken to.

Thevolunteers, whohave buttonsidentifying themselves, will also be visitingchurches and the street itself.

The census wraps up Monday evening after a 24-hour period.