Indigenous, LGBTQ people disproportionately homeless, Quebec survey finds

Immigrants, Indigenous people and members of the LGBTQ community are disproportionately represented among Quebec's homeless population, according to the first-ever provincewide survey into the problem.

Overall, the survey, conducted by Quebec'sMinistry of Health and Social Services,found 5,789 people were"visibly" homeless on the day the census was conducted, last April 24.

Health Minister Danielle McCann said the survey, detailed in a 267-page report made publicMonday, will prove invaluable forworking "to improve our interventions and better meet the needs of people in the field."

She didn't announce any new fundingaimed at curbing homelessness.

Officials who conducted the surveystressed the total numberof homeless people is likely far higher, once the so-called "hidden homeless"those without a permanent address who aren't necessarily living on the street are taken into account.

This is the second such survey conducted in Montreal. The newsurvey found that 3,149 people were homeless in the city, compared with 3,016 in 2015.

McGill University Prof. Eric Latimer, the leadresearcher on thisproject, said the two surveys can't be directly compared given their different approaches.

But he said anumber of newhousing-first programs have helped get more people off the street, even as rising rents have made it increasingly difficult for low-income people to stay in their homes.

Addiction, unaffordable rents leading causes of homelessness

As part of the survey,volunteers were recruitedto canvasstreets, parks and parts of the underground city.

The number one wish among those questionedwas help finding a new home, followed by finding a job.

In the latest survey, 72 per cent of those surveyed across Quebecwere men, 26 per cent werewomen and twoper cent identified as "other."

Indigenous peoples, especially Inuit, as well as immigrants, refugees and those who identified as LGBTQ, were over-represented, compared to the rest of the population.

When asked about the reason for their current situation, 27 per cent of the timethe explanation given was addiction.

In 17 per cent of cases, respondentssaid they were unable to pay their rent or mortgage.

Conflict with a spouse, parent or other person was also a frequent response.

In a statement, RAPSIM said the survey "obscures many of the realities of homelessness, those of women and men of all ages who live in hidden homelessness situations."

"Counting is not a good indicator of the extent of homelessness, and of progress and setbacksin the fight against the phenomenon," the statement from RAPSIM said.