Latest data shows homelessness is on the rise in Brandon

Katherine Dow speaks with Rushana Newman about the current homeless situation in the City of Brandon.

A new report from the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation shows homelessness is on the rise in the Wheat City.

The organization conducted a point-in-time (PiT) count on Oct. 17, 2024. The count survey found 92 people who said they were unhoused.

As well, the organization recorded another 90 people at shelters and transitional services. Another 47 were observed on the street but didn’t want to be part of the count survey.

In total, the corporation said the minimum number of unhoused people in Brandon is 229.

“It’s a 77.5 per cent increase in numbers since the last PiT Count,” said Rushana Newman, the executive director of Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation.

The last count in 2021, the minimum number of homeless people was 129, and the previous count in 2018, the count was 121.

Observed homelessness numbers skyrocketed in this latest report compared to 2021.

Previously, only seven were observed in the last count.

A further breakdown showed the average age that someone first experienced homelessness was 30, but those surveyed ranged from two to 67. The current average age of those in the count was 41.28.

“The pandemic is definitely the propelling factor behind the increase,” said Newman. “The shutdown influenced people’s mental and physical health worldwide. People lost their jobs, rents are too high, people are facing discrimination, and then there has been an increase in addiction and mental health issues.”

One positive from the count is the average number of days of experienced homelessness in the past year dropped from 233 days in 2021 to 211 in 2024.

When asked what needs to change to help bring these numbers down, Newman said it’s a big question.

“A lot of work needs to be done. There needs to be more sustainable and affordable housing options. There needs to be more supportive housing, low-income housing, and affordable housing.”

She said the definition of what is affordable also needs to be discussed.

“There needs to be more bachelor suites and one-bedroom affordable housing units available.”

The count happened between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. in a grid from Brandon’s 1st Street to 15th Street and between Pacific Avenue and MacTavish Avenue.

A “magnet event” was also held at Princess Park from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., where volunteers surveyed people who showed up.