On May 13th, Prince Edward-Lennox & Addington Social Services (PELASS) completed their participation in Ontario’s homeless enumeration, the first province-wide count of its kind in Canada. 
 
Through the assistance of 20 services providers in both counties including food banks, health providers and other community services, over 100 questionnaires were completed by those considered homeless or precariously housed.  
 
Questions on the survey included participants current living conditions, history and reasons for homelessness, health issues and more.  The information collected over the week is being collated and presented to the province, municipal governments and any local service providers interested in the final report.  The data will assist with future planning in Prince Edward and Lennox & Addington Counties moving forward as Housing First municipalities, an international program which emphasizes social inclusion, community integration and self-sufficiency. Housing First believes every citizen has the right to safe, affordable and stable housing as a basic human right.

PELASS, through the Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative has received funding support from the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. 
 
For further information, please contact Laurie McDonald from Prince Edward-Lennox & Addington Social Services at 613-354-0957 Ext. 2304.