Volunteers in Thompson are hopeful that a recent citywide survey of homeless individuals will pave the way for positive changes. The point-in-time count, conducted over October 14th and 15th, aimed to provide a snapshot of the homeless population in northern Manitoba’s largest city. Managed by Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Canada, the data collected will be instrumental in identifying the necessary resources to address the issue.
During the survey, volunteers posed questions such as “Where will you stay tonight?” and “Are you seeking housing?” These inquiries were carried out both during the day and at night, with volunteers scouring downtown areas and key locations to engage with individuals in need. Participants were given care packages containing hand warmers, beanies, and granola bars.
A detailed report based on the survey findings is expected to be published by the year’s end. Thompson, with a population of approximately 13,000, serves as a vital service center for communities across northern Manitoba, accommodating individuals seeking healthcare and essential services, some of whom are located hundreds of kilometers away and rely on costly flights for connection.
Kelvin Lynxleg, serving as the executive director of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak and the Wellbriety Centre, emphasized Thompson’s unique homelessness challenges due to its status as a service hub. Lynxleg highlighted the scenario where individuals from remote communities who come for appointments may face unexpected circumstances such as missed flights, leaving them stranded without resources and thus homeless.
In recent years, homelessness in Thompson has been on the rise. Last year’s count revealed 260 homeless individuals in Thompson, marking a 21% increase from 2024 and nearly double the count from 2022. Lana Bayer, the count co-ordinator, expressed concerns about the insufficient support and the scarcity of affordable housing in Thompson.
Darren Fulford, the housing services manager for the local chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association and a count volunteer, noted the complexities in finding housing for individuals in need, attributing homelessness to factors like substance abuse. Fulford stressed the necessity for enhanced resources to address substance abuse issues in the region.
The Wellbriety Centre, designed to accommodate 50 individuals, often assists nearly twice that number, leading to plans for expansion to a second building to cater to more individuals. Lynxleg acknowledged that while the point-in-time count offers valuable insights, the actual homeless population is likely higher, as daily interactions with people seeking services reveal a larger number than captured in the report.
The majority of those experiencing homelessness or at risk in Thompson are Indigenous, accounting for about 98% based on the 2024 count. Lynxleg cited systemic trauma resulting from colonization, residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and Child and Family Services (CFS) as root causes of Indigenous homelessness. She emphasized the urgent need for increased mental health, counseling, and medical resources to address this critical issue.