'Significant progress': Latest homeless numbers in Calgary are up but stabilizing

A homeless camp under an overpass in Calgary on May 20, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

A snapshot of the number of homeless people in Calgary last year jumped substantially over the last count two years ago, but the Calgary Homeless Foundation says the rate of those without lodging has remained the same.

A count in October found 3,121 individuals experiencing homelessness, which is up from the 2,782 recorded in 2022.

But the rate of those who are unhoused remains at about two out of every 1,000 Calgarians.

Since 2008, the number of people identified as experiencing homelessness has fallen by 13 per cent and at that time about three out of every 1,000 people were without shelter.

The 2024 point-in-time count showed 74 per cent of individuals counted were sheltered.

Calgary has been impacted by various external factors, including rapid population growth, tight rental markets, high rates of inflation and growing rates of poverty.

“Despite these challenges, the data reveals significant progress in fighting homelessness,” Patricia Jones, president of the Calgary Homeless Foundation, said in a statement

“While the numbers may appear to be rising, the data shows homelessness has remained relatively stable,” added Calgary Police Chief Constable Mark Neufeld.