Windsor’s 2024 homeless count reveals 672 individuals, more than double previous figures, prompting urgent discussion on housing and support strategies.
Windsor Sees Alarming Rise in Homeless Population
Windsor’s 2024 federally mandated “point-in-time” count identified 672 homeless individuals — a stark rise compared to the 251 counted in 2021. The results, shared in a city council report on July 29, mark the most comprehensive snapshot of local homelessness to date.
Broader Survey Period Captures Deeper Picture
Unlike previous counts conducted over a single week, the 2024 count was carried out over four weeks in October by an external consultant. It included individuals in emergency shelters, transitional housing, institutions, and unsheltered locations such as parks and encampments. Officials say this extended timeframe contributed to a more complete, though sobering, picture.
City Officials Warn of Growing Trend
Kelly Goz, Windsor’s manager of homelessness and housing support, emphasized that while methodology changes played a role in the higher figure, the upward trend is real. “Early intervention measures and working upstream are what’s going to get us ahead of this curve,” she told council. Acting commissioner Dana Paladino echoed that sentiment, noting, “There probably is an increase in homelessness. It’s a challenge we’re seeing across Canada.”
Key Demographics Highlight Systemic Issues
Survey data revealed that 62% of the homeless population is male, with 57% being single men aged 25–49. A growing segment — 35 individuals — were 60 or older, up from just nine in 2021. Notably, 41% of respondents said they first experienced homelessness by age 24, pointing to early-life instability as a significant driver.
Causes: Income, Conflict, and Complex Factors
Among those who shared the causes of their homelessness, 27% cited income issues, while 21% reported relationship conflict. Others mentioned escaping unsafe environments, landlord disputes, or re-entering society after incarceration. Though mental health and substance use were commonly mentioned, most did not cite them as primary causes.
Chronic Homelessness and Personal Stories
The report identified 279 individuals meeting the federal definition of chronic homelessness. One such individual, Kenroy Drummond, currently staying at the Downtown Mission, shared his battle with addiction. “Every time I do it, I do it to numb how I feel,” he said, describing a cycle that has cost him family and stability.
Community Impact and Influx Concerns
Ward 8 Councillor Gary Kaschak raised concerns about an influx of individuals from outside Windsor, noting that 19% of respondents had arrived within a year. However, Goz clarified that most surveyed had been Windsor residents for over a decade, and roughly 10 vulnerable individuals leave the city each month for other regions.
What’s Next: More Frequent Counts and Action
Under federal guidelines, Windsor will conduct annual street counts moving forward, with the next scheduled for October 2025. Full-scale surveys like this year’s will take place every three years, with the next set for 2027. City officials and advocates stress the urgency of using this data to guide proactive solutions, especially upstream interventions targeting youth and systemic trauma.
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