Point-in-time homelessness count
Known as Niagara Counts, this is our region's Point-in-Time Count — a snapshot of homelessness on a single night, used to understand who is affected and guide the plans and programs that respond to it.
701
people experiencing homelessness, Oct. 22, 2024 (up from 665 in 2021)
460
surveys completed for the 2024 count
81+
volunteers who helped conduct the count
2 years
typical interval between counts, as part of a national strategy
What is the Point-in-Time Count?
ABOUT THE COUNT
The Point-in-Time Count provides a snapshot of homelessness at a given time to help better understand who is homeless and what their needs are. Niagara Counts 2024 was Niagara's fourth Point-in-Time Count.
- The count involves counting and surveying people in our community who experience:
- Absolute homelessness — those living outside or in emergency shelters
- Hidden homelessness — those staying with others, or "couch surfing"
A successful count helps our community:
- Ensure the comprehensiveness of the Built for Zero by-name list of people experiencing homelessness
- Identify the characteristics and needs of people experiencing absolute and hidden homelessness
- Identify where progress is being made and where refocused effort is needed, geographically and for different subpopulations
- Increase public awareness about homelessness
2024 results
On Oct. 22, 2024, at least 701 people were experiencing homelessness in Niagara, including 101 children aged 0–15 (down from 121 in 2021) and 37 youth aged 16–24 (down from 76 in 2021).
Where are people staying?
280
Emergency or domestic violence shelters, safe beds
131
Transitional housing
282
Unsheltered location (public space, vehicle)
8
Motel, temporary station
Who is affected?
The following is an overview of findings from the 460 surveys completed in 2024.
Respondent's age
The 2024 count shows a steady decrease in youth experiencing homelessness (10.5 per cent of respondents) compared to 2021, contrasting trends seen across Ontario. This is largely due to shelter diversion programs for youth aged 16–24, launched in 2019, which help youth find housing options in the community instead of entering the shelter system. Many youth shelters in Niagara now also focus on housing and reconnecting youth with family, friends, school and their home communities; The RAFT's work highlights how effective these programs have been.
By contrast, older adults (55 and up) made up a growing share of respondents: 19.6 per cent in 2024, compared to 18.2 per cent in 2021 and 17 per cent in 2018. With Niagara having one of the fastest-growing senior populations in Ontario, there is a growing need for a sustainable strategy to support older adults facing homelessness.
Indigenous data
Previous Point-in-Time Count data show that Indigenous populations have been disproportionately affected. This report does not include an analysis of Indigenous-specific data; an analysis led by Indigenous partners will be shared with Council and the community at a later date.
Education, first experience of homelessness and chronic homelessness
In 2024, 68 per cent of respondents had high school education or greater, compared to 66.3 per cent in 2021. 38.4 per cent said they first experienced homelessness as a child or youth under 25 (compared to 39.4 per cent in 2021), and 26.1 per cent said they first experienced homelessness before age 18 (compared to 23.7 per cent in 2021). Over the past year, 61 per cent of respondents had been homeless for six or more months, considered chronically homeless — up from 42 per cent in the 2021 count.
Top reasons for most recent housing loss
Top reasons for most recent housing loss
Financial hardship has stayed a top reason since 2018, highlighting the ongoing need for affordable housing development and enhanced rent support programs. In 2024, conflict with spouse or partner appeared as a reason for the first time since the count began, making up 13.5 per cent of housing losses.
Top challenges finding housing
Top challenges finding housing
Financial hardship has stayed a top reason since 2018, highlighting the ongoing need for affordable housing development and enhanced rent support programs. In 2024, conflict with spouse or partner appeared as a reason for the first time since the count began, making up 13.5 per cent of housing losses.
System interactions over the past year (self-reported)
231
people visited the emergency room, for a total of 1,182 visits
110
people had 632 interactions with the Community Oriented Response and Engagement Unit (police)
156
people spent a total of 2,253 days in hospital (over six years)
101
people spent a total of 22,973 days in jail (50 per cent had less than 40 days)
162
individuals had 882 interactions with police