The District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board is doing a count Oct. 6 to help track homelessness and inform local planning. It’s a one-day count of the homeless in shelters, institutions, transitional housing and street outreach, the board said in a news release Thursday. “The data helps DSSAB and community partners better understand how homelessness and local needs are changing, and helps guide decisions about housing, supports, and services,” the board said. “In 2025, the local enumeration identified 398 people experiencing homelessness.” The board said the most recent full point-in-time count in 2024 identified 421 people experiencing homelessness in sheltered, unsheltered and other settings. Point-in-time counts also include a detailed survey about demographics, experiences and service needs. The board and community partners also use the by-name list and other service data to better understand homelessness among people known to the local system on an ongoing basis. At the end of June, 237 people were known to be experiencing homelessness, including 98 experiencing chronic homelessness. During the second quarter of 2026, 48 people were newly identified as homeless and 18 people moved from homelessness into stable housing. Indigenous people are disproportionately impacted by homelessness, making partnerships with Indigenous service providers and community organizations an important part of reaching and supporting Indigenous people experiencing homelessness, the board said.
