More than 400 volunteers spent two days roaming shelters, parks, streets, alleys and other areas of Vancouver taking stock of the city’s homeless. The City of Vancouver started its annual homeless count in 2010, years after the regional government began a similar exercise that takes place every three years. In addition to counting heads, the annual event allows volunteers – armed with Werther’s Original candies and cigarettes to pass out – to ask respondents why they aren’t in a shelter, where they get their money, if they served in the Canadian Forces and whether they feel safe where they are. Photographer Jimmy Jeong captures the count.
Vancouver city councillors Andrea Reimer (black leather jacket) and Raymond Louie (blue jacket) interview a respondent.
Ms. Reimer and Mr. Louie, who started their shift at about 6 a.m., were among volunteers who arrived dressed for the cool weather as they collected surveys, a map of their assigned area and treats for respondents.
Ms. Reimer has been involved in the count since 2008 and Mr. Louie since 2005.
Volunteers carry a 17-question survey for respondents who aren't living in shelters; a survey for those in shelters has 14 questions. It will take city staff six to eight weeks to process the data.
This year's count comes as Mayor Gregor Robertson admits his administration will not meet its 2015 deadline for ending street homelessness. Ms. Reimer and Mr. Louie are both members of Robertson's Vision Vancouver party.