The number of homeless families with children counted during the annual homeless count has risen by 95%, and the number of homeless children has risen by 168% since 2003. “People in families” data include both parents and children in a family unit experiencing homelessness.   It should be noted that the number of homeless people in families has more than doubled from 537 in 2003 to 1,243 in 2011, a 131% increase.  Up 17% compared to the 2010 homeless count.  Households without children were not reported prior to 2009, this demographic has increased 57% from 86 in 2009 to 135 in 2011.

When those data are compared to the number of emergency beds available (see Crisis Services), it is clear that there are not nearly enough beds to accommodate the number of families, children or individuals who experience homelessness on any given night.

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