Organizers overseeing the annual point-in-time (PIT) homelessness count in Prince Albert anticipate a rise in this year’s figures. This increase is attributed to the overall surge in homelessness and the inclusion of individuals residing in encampments in the count.
During the 2025 PIT count, 279 individuals were identified as homeless on the streets of Prince Albert, marking a notable increase from the previous year’s count of 230. Notably, the 230 count included 15 individuals in jail awaiting release without housing, which was not the case in the latest count, resulting in a year-over-year increase of approximately 100 people, as explained by Jim Woodcock, the community safety and wellbeing co-ordinator for Prince Albert.
The enumeration process unfolds within a 24-hour timeframe to provide a snapshot of street-dwelling populations, although it may not capture individuals engaged in “couch surfing” or those lacking stable housing who seek refuge with friends or family.
River Bank Development Corporation is spearheading the survey with the assistance of a team of volunteers. These volunteers will operate in pairs or groups and administer a straightforward questionnaire to ascertain where individuals are spending their nights.
In addition to counting visible homelessness instances, the survey will extend to individuals found sleeping in locations such as entrances, park benches, or back alleys, according to Teegan Jeffers, a project officer at Riverbank Development Corporation.
Ensuring safety remains a top priority, with precautions in place to prevent volunteers from entering poorly lit areas alone. For the first time, this year’s PIT survey will encompass people residing in homeless encampments situated in wooded areas across the city. Trained personnel from various local entities will conduct this specific enumeration.
Following safety concerns related to protest activities, Saskatoon called off its in-person PIT count in early October, while Regina successfully completed its count on October 15.
Multiple local facilities, including the Prince Albert Wellness Hub, YWCA and Prince Albert Grand Council shelters, hospitals, detox units, and domestic violence shelters, will contribute their nightly occupancy numbers to the count.
The escalating trend of homelessness in Prince Albert has been linked to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, with rising living costs and housing unaffordability exacerbating the issue, as highlighted by Woodcock and Jeffers.
Efforts are underway to enhance transitional and affordable housing options within the city, aiding individuals in transitioning out of shelters and fostering self-sufficiency. Ongoing funding is being sought for the mobile complex needs team to continue facilitating connections to housing, addiction treatment, healthcare, and counseling services.
The provincial Ministry of Social Services is backing the construction of a new 45-bed emergency shelter, which is slated to be operational by 2028. Currently, Prince Albert offers 95 emergency shelter beds and an additional 22 beds for those escaping domestic violence.
As winter approaches, plans are in place for the Salvation Army to open a daytime warming center at the Prince Albert Union Centre downtown to support individuals in need.