Conclusion

Grande Prairie’s PiT Count Planning Committee was essential in ensuring that Grande Prairie’s 2022 PiT Count responded to and reflected local issues. Collaboration with Alberta’s 7 Cities and the Homelessness Partnering Strategy were also important for producing a count that could be reported as part of both provincial and national counts. Grande Prairie’s 2022 PiT Count found at least 328 individuals experiencing homelessness on the days of September 26th and 27th, 2022, our highest count to date.

In addition to confirming a community feeling that there are many individuals experiencing homelessness in the city, the results from the 2022 PiT Count are an indication that a strong focus needs to be on chronic, youth, and Indigenous homelessness. Moving toward 2024, we will continue developing a unique and community-specific approach to understanding homelessness, including a focus on youth and hidden homelessness.