12th Annual Report Card on

Homelessness for Nelson

Mural: Bryn Stevenson https://muralroutes.ca/mural/nelson-together/ Photo: Rebecca Martin

September 2020
Researched and prepared by:
Nelson Committee on Homelessness Page 1
 Purpose of Report Card Overview of Nelson Committee On Homelessness (NCOH)
The 12th Annual Report Card on Homelessness for Nelson aims to bring the reader a Nelson Committee on Homelessness is a volunteer committee of service agencies,
better understanding of the current state of local homelessness, what contributes to government representation, and concerned citizens dedicated to leading a
homelessness, and what we can and are doing about it. It is an educational tool collaborative and coordinated response to homelessness.
designed to increase awareness, encourage questions, and inform solutions.
Founded in 2001, we work with members of the community, businesses, governments,
and other stakeholders to identify and implement evidenced-based solutions to
homelessness and poverty & support entitlement to safe, affordable, and sustainable
Table of Contents housing as a human right. Acting as Nelson’s Community Advisory Board for Reaching
Executive Summary Infographic………………………………………………………………………………………………….4 Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, we make recommendations to our Community
Entity (Nelson CARES Society) on the distribution of federal funding aimed at achieving
Context: Definitions & Causes of Homelessness............................................................................. 6
the goals of Reaching Home.
Context: The Importance of Housing .............................................................................................. 8
We encourage collaboration, new initiatives, research, information-sharing, knowledge-
Current State: Community Indicators ........................................................................................... 10
building, community partnerships, and engaging the voice of people with lived
Current State: Homelessness, Overdose & COVID-19 Crises ........................................................ 14 experiences of homelessness in all decision-making.
Current State: NCOH’s COVID-19 Response ................................................................................. 18
NCOH acknowledges our respect for, and deep gratitude to, all the ancestors and
Pathways to Ending Homelessness: Need for Supportive Housing .............................................. 19
keepers of the land on whose traditional territories we are honoured to live and work.
Pathways to Ending Homelessness: NCOH Programs ................................................................... 20
Pathways to Ending Homelessness: Strong Partnerships ............................................................. 22
References ..................................................................................................................................... 23
Acknowledgements........................................................................................................................ 24 Homelessness in Nelson
Letter from the NCOH Co-Chairs.................................................................................................... 25
Homelessness is happening right here, right now in Nelson. People living without
shelter may be more visible in our community, yet this is only the tip of the iceberg.
Interested in Joining Nelson Committee On Homelessness? There are also many people living in temporary, precarious, substandard, or dangerous
housing situations – children through to seniors – hidden from sight or at-risk of
homelessness. Many young girls and single moms end up living with predators. While
Please contact Rebecca Martin, NCOH Community Coordinator, at
some groups are more likely to experience homelessness due to systemic barriers &
[email protected] or 250-352-6011 ext. 5266
inequities, such as racism and discrimination (for example, Indigenous peoples, people
with disabilities or mental health issues, and people fleeing violence), homelessness
Website: https://nelsoncares.ca/portfolio-items/committee-on-homelessness/
affects people from all walks of life.
Facebook Page: Nelson Committee on Homelessness No one is immune to becoming homeless; it can happen to anyone.

Page 2 Page 3
HOMELESSNESS IN Nelson is in a housing affordability and vacancy crisis

NELSON 2020 Report Card Summary Average advertised monthly

rent for 1-bedroom unit

Monthly affordable shelter

$1,176

Homelessness includes a range of living situations

rate for single earning $664
minumum wage

Monthly shelter rate for

single on Income/Disability $375
Assistance
$0 $250 $500 $750 $1,000 $1,250

17% of 1 in 2 renter
people are Vacancy households are paying
The Housing & Homelessness Crisis is not the only public health crisis we living in more than 30% of
poverty income on rent
are facing.

Ending homelessness requires enough affordable, safe, appropriate

Housing & housing that people can access in our community
Homelessness
Crisis Having supportive housing in Nelson would make a big difference in
The housing & homelessness,
overdose,and COVID-19 crises reducing local homelessness
intersect in many ways, Nelson currently has no supportive housing–a type of social (subsidized)
exacerbating health housing with on -site supports for people experiencing or at-risk of
COVID-19 Overdose inequities homelessness.
Crisis Crisis
 Context: Definitions & Causes of Homelessness Context: Definitions & Causes of Homelessness

Canadian Definition of Homelessness Definition of Indigenous Homelessness in Canada

“Homelessness describes the situation of an individual or family without stable, “…Unlike the common colonialist definition of homelessness, Indigenous homelessness
permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability of is not defined as lacking a structure of habitation; rather, it is more fully described and
acquiring it. understood through a composite lens of Indigenous worldviews. These include:
Homelessness encompasses a range of physical living situations: individuals, families and communities isolated from their relationships to land, water,
place, family, kin, each other, animals, cultures, languages and identities. Importantly,
1) Unsheltered (also known as Absolute Homelessness), including people who lack
Indigenous people experiencing these kinds of homelessness cannot culturally,
housing and are living on the streets or other places not intended for human habitation;
spiritually, emotionally or physically reconnect with their Indigeneity or lost
2) Emergency Sheltered, including those staying in emergency overnight shelters for relationships. (Aboriginal Standing Committee on Housing and Homelessness, 2012)”2
people who are homeless (e.g. Stepping Stones), in shelters for those impacted by family
violence (e.g. Aimee Beaulieu Transition House is for women and children fleeing
violence), or in emergency shelters for people fleeing a natural disaster or destruction of
accommodation due to fires, floods, etc.; Causes of Homelessness

3) Provisionally Accommodated, referring to those whose accommodation is temporary Systems failure, structural barriers, and relational/individual challenges are the
or lacks security of tenure, including hidden homelessness such as ‘couch surfing’, root causes of homelessness, such as:
temporarily living at a motel/hotel, or staying in an institutional setting (e.g. hospital);  A lack of affordable, safe, appropriate housing, especially following federal
4) At Risk, referring to people who are not homeless, but whose current economic disinvestment in affordable housing starting in the 1980’s
and/or housing situation is precarious, does not meet public health and safety  A lack of access to needed social & health supports
standards, or is the only available ‘option’, leading the person to be trapped in that  Structural economic changes/Fewer secure, full-time, well-paying jobs
living situation (e.g. many local single mothers/young women live in these conditions).”1  Poverty, minimum wages below living wages, and income supports that have
remained effectively unchanged despite rising costs of living
 Racism, discrimination, stigma & effects of historical trauma
 A lack of acknowledgement of the depth of local poverty in our community
 Financial, mental, cognitive, behavioural, physical challenges – and stigma
around these challenges – that can make obtaining or keeping housing difficult
 Family conflict, neglect, or violence (especially for youth and women)

1
Canadian Observatory on Homelessness. (2012.) Canadian Definition of Homelessness. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on
Homelessness Press. www.homelesshub.ca/homelessdefinition
Image: Gaetz, S., Donaldson, J., Richter, T., & Gulliver, T. (2013). The State of Homelessness in Canada 2013. Toronto: Canadian 2
Thistle, J. (2017.) Indigenous Definition of Homelessness in Canada. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press.
Homelessness Research Network Press. www.homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/attachments/COHIndigenousHomelessnessDefinition.pdf
Page 6 Page 7
 Context: The Importance of Housing Context: The Importance of Housing

Safe, affordable, appropriate housing is a basic necessity & human right. Safe, affordable, appropriate housing is vital for community health.

Compared to the general population, people without safe, affordable, and

appropriate housing are at greater risk of:
Homelessness costs us all.
 Respiratory diseases (e.g. COVID-19)  Dental health problems
 Diabetes & Hypertension  Depression, anxiety, & other
 Wounds & Skin conditions mental health challenges $7,000,000,000
 Infections (e.g. tuberculosis)  Substance use challenges
 Foot problems  8 to 10 times more likely to die3, annual cost of homelessness
even amongst youth
to Canadian economy4
“Housing means life. Housing means stability. Housing people is cost-effective.
It means a way of getting your own life back on track.”
– Canadian who was formerly homeless (Recovery for All campaign video)

A safe, affordable, appropriate home is more than a roof overhead.

 Security  A place to store things
 Stability  Hope & Opportunity
A range of housing options - including social & affordable rental options -
 Privacy  A sense of pride & belonging supports the health & resiliency of communities, local economies, & society:

 Allows people with a range of jobs, skills, and incomes to live & work in the same
Imagine not having an address, regular shower access, a safe & private place to sleep.
community, contributing to a more varied, vibrant local economy. Anecdotally, in
How would you get or keep a job? Nelson, local businesses and other employers are negatively impacted because workers
can’t find housing or afford to live in Nelson.
Imagine always being in the public eye, fearing for your safety, feeling rejected by society.
How healthy would you be?  Housing people is cost-effective compared to the costs associated with homelessness.
Imagine not knowing if you’ll be able to make next month’s rent & having to choose
between keeping your family fed or keeping the heat on in the winter?  As COVID-19 has highlighted, the health of individuals has a direct impact on the health
How would you make such a difficult decision? of the entire community. We are all interconnected.

4Gaetz S., Donaldson, J., Richter, T., & Gulliver, T. (2013): The State of Homelessness in Canada 2013. Toronto: Canadian Homelessness Research
3Raphael, D., & Mikkonen, J. (2010). Social Determinants of Health: The Canadian Facts. Toronto: York University School of Health Policy and Network Press
Management. Image: Wellesley Institute’s Blueprint to End Homelessness (2007)
Page 8 Page 9
 Current State: Community Indicators Current State: Community Indicators
Community Indicators are a standardized method to document the context of homelessness, Housing is affordable if a household spends less than 30% of gross income on rent & utilities
housing, and poverty in Nelson and monitor changes over time.

2019 2020 %
47% Nelson Renter Households paying more than 30% on shelter 11
Rental Housing Change5
Report Report Change Monthly Monthly Affordable
CMHC Rental Market Survey6:  Household Type & Income Source
Income Shelter Rates12
Rental Vacancy Rate (Overall) 0.0% 0.4%  Single on Income Assistance $760 $375
- Studio, 1 Bdrm, 2 Bdrm 0.0% 0.0%  0%
Single on Disability Assistance $1,183 $375
Total Number Purpose-built Units 515 509  -1.2%
Senior on OAS & GIS (for July – Sept 2020 quarter) $1,530 $459
Average Rents7 (Overall) $852 $913  7.2%
Single earning Minimum Wage (35 hrs/wk) $2,214 $664
- Studio $634 $650  2.5%
- 1 Bedroom $757 $803  6.1% Single earning Living Wage (35 hrs/wk) $2,800 $840
- 2 Bedroom $936 $1,037  10.8% Median 1-Person Household Income (2016 Census) $2,475 $742
- 3+ Bedroom Supp.8 $1,241 Median Renter Household Income (2016 Census) $3,054 $916
Average Advertised Rents (NCOH Survey9):  Average Advertised 1-Bedroom in Nelson $1,176
Room (96 units in sample) $624 $633 ***
Studio (9 units in sample) $880 $979  11.3% Average advertised rental rates13 are also high in other areas of our region:
1 Bedroom (14 units in sample) $1,068 $1,176  10.1% Area (Sample Size) Room Studio 1-bdrm 2-bdrm 3-bdrm 4 + bdrm
2 Bedroom (12 units in sample) $1,452 $1,472 ***
Rural Nelson (44) $618 $875 $1,215 $1,501 $1,708
3 Bedroom (12 units in sample) $1,971 $1,842 *** Salmo & Area (7) $750 $750 $1,350
4+ Bedroom (5 units in sample) $2,367 $2,235 *** Castlegar & Area (36) $630 $700 $1,014 $1,130 $1,550 $2,000
City of Nelson Statistics:  Slocan Valley (11) $600 $900 $1,433 $1,100
# Secondary Suites Reported10 509 533  4.7% Trail & Area (45) $569 $667 $885 $1,107 $1,525 $1,600
- # Reported as Short-Term 21 30  42.9% Rossland (12) $575 $1,100 $1,350 $1,450 $2,111 $2,075
- % Reported as Short-Term 4.1% 5.6%  36.6% Kaslo (3) $1,250 $1,200

Nelson’s Vacancy Rate has been near 0% since 2014, one of the lowest in Canada. Waitlists for social and affordable housing are long & the turnover rate is low:

0% This is important to consider when looking at the average rental rates from CMHC. The average
rates include non-vacant units with rental rates that have been controlled under the Residential
Example
Kiwanis Projects
Cicada Place
Housing Mainly For:
Seniors
Youth
# on Waitlist14
42
34
# Units
62
10
Tenancy Act. This Act regulates rent increases for current tenants but does not apply to new Anderson Gardens People with Disabilities (PWD) & Seniors 136 33
Vacancy tenants. So even if you were able to secure a purpose-built rental amid the low vacancy and Nelson CARES Singles, Families, Seniors, PWD 176 132
turnover rates, the rent could be much higher than these average rates. The advertised rental In progress: Lakeside Seniors & PWD *249 47
rates may give a better picture of the rent prices new tenants can expect to pay. In progress: Hall Street Singles & Families *182 41
In progress: SHARE Singles *TBD 39
5
*** indicates not ‘statistically significant’ changes. The “change” may simply reflect differences in sample characteristics rather than real change.
6
Annual survey each October. Targets only purpose-built structures with at least 3 rental units which have been on the market for at least 3 months.
7 11
Changes in Rates reflect increases in rent for existing tenants and contextual factors that can drive up rates, such as changing tenants or renovations. Statistics Canada, 2016 Census of Population (Nelson, City)
8 12
Data suppressed by CMHC because the reliability was too poor to report. See CMHC’s Methodology for Rental Market Survey for more details. 30% of monthly income. Exception: Shelter Rate of $375 used for Singles on Income/Disability Assistance
9 13
NCOH Advertised Rental Market Survey, April – May: Black Press; I Love Nelson; Kijiji; Craig’s List; WK Rentals; Remax; Prop2Go; Selkirk College Off-Campus Hsg. NCOH Advertised Rental Market Survey, April – May 2020. See footnote 9 for more details.
14
List; Facebook – Nelson, BC Homes & Rooms for Rent, WK Available Rentals, Trail & Area Rentals; Bhubble.com; realestate.mitula.ca Waitlists can fluctuate frequently, and it does not reflect exact overall need in our community. However, it does indicate that many more people are in need of
10
Secondary suites refer to full secondary suites only; does not include 1 or more rooms in a house. Of the 509 secondary suites reported in 2018 (the 2019 Report subsidized or lower-end of market rentals than what is currently available in Nelson. Numbers are as of summer 2020 (exact dates vary by location).
Card), 63 had waivers (i.e. were being used by the owner and not for rent). Of the 533 secondary suites reported in 2019 (the 2020 Report Card), 65 had waivers. *Prospect/Interest lists, not formal waitlists. If you would like to be on the interest list for the SHARE Housing development, contact [email protected]
Page 10 Page 11
 Current State: Community Indicators Current State: Community Indicators
2019 2020 % Market Basket Measure of Poverty
Income & Rent Supplements Change
Report Report Change
Minimum Hourly Wage $13.85 $14.60  5.4% % Individuals 2016 Census Data21
Living Wage $18.21 $18.46  1.4% Living in Poverty Nelson BC Canada
Monthly Income Assistance (Single) $760 $760  0%
Total Individuals 17.3% 15.2% 12.9%
Monthly Disability Assistance (Single) $1183 $1183  0%
# BC Housing Rent Supplements15: Singles or people living with
31.9% 32.3% 29.2%
- Families (RAP) 39 55  41.0% roommates
- Seniors (SAFER) 89 94  5.6% People living in lone-parent
36.6% 31.7% 26.5%
- Homeless (HPP/HOP) 30 30  0% families
Annual Unemployment Rate16 (Kootenays) 5.3% (2018) 5.3% (2019)  0% “The Market Basket Measure establishes poverty thresholds based on the cost of a basket of food, clothing,
Annual Unemployment Rate16 (BC) 4.7% (2018) 4.7% (2019)  0% shelter, transportation & other necessities. Families with disposable income less than the applicable
thresholds, given family size & region of residence, are deemed to be in poverty.” - Statistics Canada

$375 The monthly Income and Disability Assistance rates are divided into ‘support’ and
‘shelter’ portions. The shelter rate of $375 for singles has not changed since 2007, Living Wage for Nelson
Shelter Rate despite drastic rent increases17. Unlike BC, many provinces provide a single Assistance

$18.46
rate, which offers recipients greater flexibility & reduces administrative costs. The living wage calculation22 is based on what a family of four
(2 parents and 2 children ages 4 & 7) needs to meet basic family
2019 2020 % expenses, based on the actual costs of living in Nelson. It is the hourly
Food18 & Shelters19 Change wage both parents need to make while both working 35 hours/week. per hour
Report Report Change
# Food Bank Visits Unavailable 18,206
# Meals Served 30,194 26,642  -11.8%
# Transition House Shelter Beds 8 8  0%
# Women Who Stayed at Transition House 74 87  17.6%
# Children Who Stayed at Transition House 33 31  -6.1%
# Emergency Shelter Beds20 17 17  0%
Nelson At Its Best regularly calculates the living wage for Nelson:
# Individuals Who Stayed at Shelter 220 188  -14.5%
Actual Family EI, CPP,
The lower number of individuals who stayed at Stepping Stones emergency shelter between April 2019 Income from Income from
Expenses Federal &
to March 2020 (188), compared to April 2018 to March 2019 (220), does not indicate a reduced need for = Employment + Government -
this service. Instead, there are more individuals with complex care needs who are staying at the (based on cost of Provincial
(Living Wage) Transfers
Stepping Stones shelter for longer periods of time. living in Nelson) Taxes
Although many people in Nelson may be making $18.46 or more per hour, they may not work enough
15
Statistics from BC Housing as of March 31st, 2019 and March 31st, 2020
16
Statistics Canada. Table 14-10-0090-01 Labour force characteristics by province, territory and economic region, annual 2019 Report = 2018 rate; 2020 Report = hours to cover basic family expenses and may not be eligible for benefits. Both wage per hour and the
2019 rate. Rates have sharply increased since the coronavirus pandemic (see page 17 for more details).
17
number of hours worked per week are important.
56% allowed increase in rent from 2007 to 2020, based on the annual allowed % increases in rent under the Residential Tenancy Agreement
18
# Food Bank Visits: Total food bank visits at Salvation Army, Nelson Community Food Centre, and St. Saviour’s Food Pantry, as well as Salvation Army Christmas
hampers and school lunches. # Meals Served: Total number of breakfasts and lunches served at Our Daily Bread and Salvation Army. 2019 Report = 2018 data;
21
2020 Report = 2019 data. Statistics Canada, 2016 Census of Population, Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-400-X2016148
22
19
Aimee Beaulieu Transition House & Stepping Stones Emergency Shelter data. 2019 Report = April 2018-March 2019; 2020 Report = April 2019-March 2020 Ivanova, I. & Saugstad, L. (2019). Working for a Living Wage: 2019 Calculation Guide. https://www.policyalternatives.ca/livingwage2019
20
Note that there were also 5 additional winter beds available from November to March/April Images by unknown authors, under licenses (from left to right): CC BY-NC-ND, CC BY-SA, CC BY-SA-NC, and CC BY-NC-ND
Page 12 Page 13
 Current State: Homelessness, Overdose & COVID-19 Crises 23 Current State: Homelessness, Overdose & COVID-19 Crises
The affordable housing & homelessness crisis is not the only crisis we are facing. The affordable housing & homelessness crisis is not the only crisis we are facing.
The overdose crisis has been a public health emergency in BC since April 2016. COVID-19 has been a public health emergency in BC since March 2020.

Intersection of Homelessness & Overdose Crises: 24 Intersection of Homelessness & COVID-19 Crises: 25

The interplay between homelessness, substance use, and mental health is complex 1. People who are experiencing homelessness or living in crowded housing
and non-linear. People experiencing homelessness are more likely to face conditions are more likely to contract COVID-19:
problematic substance use than the general population, however, many people who
 Preventative behaviours like frequent hand washing, disinfecting surfaces,
are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness do not face problematic substance
physical distancing and self-isolation (especially in crowded shelters or
use.
housing) are very challenging or impossible to do independently
Problematic substance use can be a contributing factor to, and
consequence of, homelessness:
Homelessness  People with lower incomes may be less likely to work from
home. Many lower wage jobs in Nelson are in the service and
Crisis retail industries (restaurants, grocery stores, hotels, tourism,
 People with problematic substance use can have a harder time
etc.) and necessitate at least some in-person contact & being
holding down a stable job or finding/keeping housing,
physically present at the workplace
including because of stigma and discrimination. Street-
entrenched people with mental health and substance use
2. Many people who are homeless, at-risk of homelessness, or
challenges are some of the most vulnerable members of
our society. Overdose COVID-19 living in poverty are at greater risk of a dangerous or deadly
outcome if they contract COVID-19:
Crisis Crisis
 Many people use substances as a way of coping with  Underlying health conditions are more common in the
trauma, discrimination, isolation, anxiety, depression, and homeless population and people living in poverty than the
difficult life situations. Given the trauma, chronic stress, and general population (health inequities)
ongoing threats to physical safety and well-being from living on
the streets, it makes sense that unsheltered homelessness can cause or  Poor housing and low socioeconomic status are strong social determinants
exacerbate poor mental health and problematic substance use. of poorer health, including diabetes and ‘heart and lung’ conditions that
increase risk of a dangerous or deadly COVID-19 outcome

23 Venn diagram credit: A Pandemic Response and Recovery Toolkit for Homeless Systems Leaders in Canada. Prepared for Canadian Alliance to End
Homelessness by OrgCode Consulting, Inc., June 2020, p. 6 25Patel et al. (2020). Poverty, inequality and COVID-19: The forgotten vulnerable. Public Health, 183, p. 110-111. doi:
24 Didenko, E. & Pankratz, N. Substance Use: Pathways to homelessness? Or a way of adapting to street life? Reprinted from “Housing and
https://dx.doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.puhe.2020.05.006
Homelessness” issue of Visions Journal, 2007, Volume 4, p. 9-10. Perri, M., Dosani, N., & Hwang, S. (2020). COVID-19 and people experiencing homelessness: Challenges and mitigation strategies. Canadian Medical
Homeless Hub. Substance Use and Addiction. https://www.homelesshub.ca/about-homelessness/topics/substance-use-addiction Association Journal, 192, p. 716-719. doi: http://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.200834
Palepu, A. et al. (2013). Substance use and access to health care and addiction treatment among homeless and vulnerably housed persons in three Tsai, J. & Wilson, M. (2020). COVID-19: A potential public health problem for homeless populations. The Lancet, Public Health, 5, p. 186-187. doi:
Canadian cities. PLoS ONE, 8, e75133. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(20)30053-0
Page 14 Page 15
 Current State: Homelessness, Overdose & COVID-19 Crises 26 Current State: Homelessness, Overdose & COVID-19 Crises
Overdose Crisis: COVID-19 Crisis: 29
Since 2016, over 5,900 people have died from an illicit drug overdose in BC, including at least The pandemic has highlighted how interconnected we all are & how our individual actions can have big
16 people in Nelson. At least 909 people have died from overdose in BC between January – consequences on others – our families, our neighbours, our communities, and even people we’ve never met
July 2020 alone.27 and never will meet.

Any death is one too many. The pandemic has also shown how important housing is for an individual’s health & safety and the health &
safety of the whole community. It has shone a light on – and exacerbated – health inequities arising from
“The number of people dying in BC due to an unsafe drug supply continues to surpass deaths systemic racism and discrimination. People of colour, Indigenous peoples, people living in poverty or poor
due to homicides, motor vehicle incidents, suicides and COVID-19 combined.” neighbourhoods, and people experiencing homelessness or living in inadequate housing conditions are more
– Lisa Lapointe, Chief Coroner, August 25, 2020 likely to contract COVID-19 & experience a dangerous outcome due to poorer health.

Although people experiencing unsheltered/sheltered homelessness are over- “Some people thought COVID-19 would be the great equalizer.
represented among people dying from overdose, most deaths from overdoses occur But it isn’t the great equalizer. COVID actually exacerbates existing differences in
in private residences (around 66% in the Interior27) and are people who lived in Homelessness communities. Racialized people are more likely to live in poverty, poor housing, or
private residences during the month preceding their death (around 82% in the Crisis work precarious jobs – all of these things lead to worse health and worse social
circumstance, and COVID loves those things.”
Interior28).
– Dr. Kwame McKenzie, CEO of Wellesley Institute
Intersection of Overdose & COVID-19 Crises:
It’s likely COVID-19 has/will have a big impact on people who are provisionally
COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the overdose crisis. housed – including the ‘hidden homeless’ population – and who are at-risk of
homelessness right here in Nelson. Many Nelsonites were already struggling to
Increased social isolation/using alone, changes to drug supply/increased
toxicity, and reduced services in some areas are thought to explain the
Overdose COVID-19 make ends meet before COVID-19, and it’s uncertain how long some
government financial supports and policies aimed at helping people cope with
increase in overdoses since the pandemic. Crisis Crisis lost income will remain in place.

The unemployment rate30 for the Kootenays has risen sharply since COVID-19, with
 May, June, and July 2020 have been the deadliest months to date in
rates twice as high in April – August 2020 as they were in these months in 2019:
BC for overdoses, with 174, 177, and 175 deaths. These numbers are
twice as high as the number of deaths for the same months in 2019.
Before COVID, the deadliest month was December 2016 with 161 deaths.27

 People dying from overdose in BC decreased by 38% from 2018 (1,546 deaths) to 2019 (981
deaths). Since the COVID-19 crisis began, however, deaths have once again risen, with 909
people dying from overdose only 7 months into 2020.27

29
McKenzie, K. (2020). Toronto and Peel have reported race-based and socio-demographic data – now we need action.
Patel et al. (2020). Poverty, inequality and COVID-19: The forgotten vulnerable. Public Health, 183, p. 110-111.
26 Venn diagram credit: A Pandemic Response and Recovery Toolkit for Homeless Systems Leaders in Canada. Prepared for Canadian Alliance to End
Poteat, T., Millett, G. A., Nelson, L. E., & Beyrer, C. (2020). Understanding COVID-19 risks and vulnerabilities among black communities in America: The lethal force of syndemics.
Homelessness by OrgCode Consulting, Inc., June 2020, p. 6 Annals of Epidemiology, 47, p. 1-3.
27 BC Coroners Service. Illicit Drug Toxicity Deaths in BC, January 1, 2010 – July 31, 2020. Published online August 25, 2020.
Power, T. et al., (2020). COVID-19 and Indigenous Peoples: An imperative for action. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 29, p. 2737-2741.
28 BC Coroners Service. Illicit Drug Overdose Deaths in BC: Findings of Coroners’ Investigation, Table 2, p. 9. Published online September 27, 2018. 30
Statistics Canada. Table 14-10-0293-01 Labour force characteristics by economic region, three-month moving average, unadjusted for seasonality, last 5 months
Page 16 Page 17
 Current State: NCOH’s COVID-19 Response Pathways to Ending Homelessness: Need for Supportive Housing
COVID-19 is shining a light on the importance of safe and appropriate housing, access to basic necessities, and Ending homelessness requires enough affordable, safe, appropriate housing that people can access,
access to harm reduction and health supports, for both individual and community health. and a range of housing options to meet a variety of needs – including Supportive Housing.
Since the pandemic, Stepping Stones shelter has had to reduce their capacity in order to ensure proper physical
distancing. Additional sites providing safe spaces to self-isolate or physically distance have been implemented, Supportive Housing is a specific type of Social Housing
including two hotel sites and a sanctioned encampment behind the Civic Centre until June 30, 2020. In addition to
spaces to isolate/distance, NCOH identified the following community priorities for the response:
Priority Why this is a priority How this priority is being met
Maintaining good hygiene (e.g. regular hand-washing)
 Showers offered twice a week
is key for reducing the risk of contracting COVID.
 24/7 hand wash stations set up
Hygiene Reduced services, including public washroom hours at
 24/7 porta potty set up
the beginning of the pandemic, have made accessing
 Working on supported laundry “Social Housing is owned by a not-for-profit organization, a co-op or a government. Rents are subsidized,
some hygiene services challenging.
Finding new ways to stay connected with  Supported use of cell phones making it possible for people with lower incomes to find housing they can afford.” (BC Housing)
clients/community members is key during a time of  Phone & in-person check-ins
Communication
social isolation and reduced in-person services.  Weekly ‘State of Services’ posted “Supportive Housing is a type of social housing with on-
& Technology Other types of social housing: Currently
Ensuring service providers and clients have up-to-date online and at some agencies site support and services to help people find and maintain
info on local services and COVID-19 is also important.  COVID-19 info posted at key places in Nelson, social (and affordable) rental
housing stability, such as life-skills training and
Masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves can help reduce the units are for people who can live
Access to PPE  PPE distributed on as-needed basis connections to primary health care, mental health or
risk of transmission. independently (no support services). This
substance use services. It is for people experiencing or at
Access to safe supply and other harm reduction includes the new Lakeside, Hall Street,
 Weekly OAT clinic with COVID risk of homelessness with varying health and personal
resources was crucial for reducing the risk of overdose and SHARE Nelson constructions.
prescribing at Sanctioned Civic challenges and needs.” (BC Housing)
and virus transmission even before the pandemic.
Harm Reduction Encampment & hotel site
COVID-19 has greatly exacerbated the overdose crisis Nelson does not currently have Supportive Housing, but
 Providing harm reduction supplies
& highlighted the need for continued safe supply and
and information at all sites Nelson is approved for Supportive Housing funding by BC Housing. We just need the land.
harm reduction strategies.
 Doctor or nurse practitioner on-call Evidence suggests having Supportive Housing in Nelson would greatly help reduce local homelessness
Helping clients connect with physical and mental
Physical & or on-site; opportunities for clients
health services/service providers is important at any
Mental Health to connect with a GP Several studies in high-income countries have found that Supportive Housing:
time, and especially during times of social isolation and
Support  Mental health workers available to  Reduces homelessness & increases long-term housing stability
reduced access to services.
support clients in-person
COVID-19 introduced some food service changes and  On-site food deliveries
 Helps people stabilize their lives & reintegrate into society
Food Access unknowns around funding and food security. Outreach  ‘No cook’ food bags  Promotes physical/mental health and overall well-being
workers reported that people were going hungry.  Grocery cards (independent access)  Cost-effective (off-sets costs to the health and justice systems)
Coordination is essential for achieving these priorities and offering wraparound services/supports.
Coordinated NCOH’s COVID-19 Response has provided evidence for the benefits of Supportive Housing locally, with
Partnership between NCOH agencies, City of Nelson & Nelson City Police, RDCK, BC Housing,
Management
Interior Health, local businesses & Nelson Vulnerable Population Emergency Response Group. many services providers noting increased stability and well-being among clients who stayed both at the
sanctioned Civic Encampment and the North Shore hotel where they received regular staffing supports.
Ultimately, this response offers clients a safe place to stay + wraparound services and supports, partially
resembling a supportive housing model. The success of the response is demonstrating a strong need for “The sanctioned Civic Encampment in Nelson provided a safe place & essential services for residents
supportive housing in Nelson & the benefits this would bring for individuals and our community (see next page). during the early stages of the pandemic. The success of this project has demonstrated the potential for
our community to work together in addressing the critical need for harm reduction housing.”
On behalf of NCOH, thank you to everyone who is working tirelessly
- Ryall Giuliano, Street Outreach Worker
to support our vulnerable population during this difficult time.

Page 18 Page 19
 Pathways to Ending Homelessness: NCOH Programs Pathways to Ending Homelessness: NCOH Programs
Ending homelessness requires multifaceted, systems-focused, evidence-based solutions & strong partnerships. Funding through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy has allowed NCOH to fund & support:

Since 2007, NCOH has received federal funding. As of April 2019, the Homeless Partnering Strategy was NELSON STREET OUTREACH
replaced with Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, which aims to REDUCE:
Mission: “To work in collaboration with relevant service providers to identify members of Nelson’s ‘street
 Chronic homelessness  New inflows into homelessness
culture’ population, assess their immediate and long-term needs for health, safety, and basic needs, and
 Overall & for specific populations  Returns to homelessness
offer a range of supports and services designed to meet these needs. To support downtown business
owners and the general public in their increased understanding, tolerance, and acceptance of the
challenges of the ‘street culture’ population and to foster a culture of mutual respect.” (NCS website)
All designated
communities receiving o 270 clients served in Year 3 of Street Outreach. 589 clients served in past 3 years combined.
Reaching Home funding are o Most frequent services provided in Year 3 of Street Outreach:
required to have a
 Basic Needs  Transportation
Coordinated Access system
 Relationship-building  Funding/Financial Assistance
in place by March 2022.  Information  Housing Support

“Coordinated Access makes Age of Street Outreach Clients (Year 3) Housing Status at Intake (Year 3)
it possible to take a
comprehensive systems-
based approach to
addressing homelessness,
rather than an agency-by-
agency or program-
centered approach. It
supports better service
integration, ensuring that
service providers are
working together to reach TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
shared, community-level
outcomes using a person- Clients in the Transitional Assistance
centered approach.” Program live in transitional housing at Transitional Housing Program 2019-2020
Nelson CARES’ Ward Street Place for 3
Image and Quote from: months to a year or more, and are Clients Supported in TAP Housing 14
supported by a Transitional Housing
Reaching Home: Coordinated
Access Guide by Employment Worker to gain life and tenancy skills. New Referrals 72
and Social Development The goal is to move to a Residential
Canada All Clients Placed in TAP/non-TAP Housing 26
Tenancy Agreement once ready.

Page 20 Page 21
 Pathways to Ending Homelessness: Strong Partnerships References
Ending homelessness requires collaboration & strong partnerships across several Aldridge, R. et al. (2018). Morbidity and mortality in homeless individuals, prisoners, sex workers, and individuals with substance use
disorders in high-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet, 391, p. 241-250.
agencies, levels of government, and individuals. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(17)31869-X
Aubry, T. et al. (2020). Effectiveness of permanent supportive housing and income assistance interventions for homeless individuals in high-
income countries: A systematic review. The Lancet Public Health, 5, p. 342-360.
There are many local organizations who sit at the NCOH table & are working hard to BC Coroners Service. Illicit Drug Toxicity Deaths in BC, January 1, 2010 – July 31, 2020. Published online August 25, 2020.
BC Coroners Service. Illicit Drug Overdose Deaths in BC: Findings of Coroners’ Investigation, Table 2, p. 9. Published online September 27,
reduce/prevent homelessness in our community, including (but not limited to): 2018.
BC Housing. Community Benefits of Supportive Housing. https://www.bchousing.org/research-centre/library/community-
Organization Main Service Area Phone/Email acceptance/community-benefits-supportive-housing
BC Housing Research Centre (2018). The Social and Economic Value of Dedicated-Site Supportive Housing in B.C.: A Social Return on
Investment (SROI) Analysis BC Housing. https://www.bchousing.org/research-centre/library/tools-for-developing-social-housing/sroi-
Kootenay Christian Fellowship (ODB) Food 250-352-1722 analysis-dedicated-site-supportive-housing
Canadian Observatory on Homelessness. (2012.) Canadian Definition of Homelessness. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness
Nelson Community Food Centre Food 250-354-1633 Press. www.homelesshub.ca/homelessdefinition
Didenko, E. & Pankratz, N. Substance Use: Pathways to homelessness? Or a way of adapting to street life? Reprinted from “Housing and
St. Saviour’s Food Pantry Food 250-352-5711 Homelessness” issue of Visions Journal, 2007, Volume 4, p. 9-10.
Gaetz, S., Dej, E., Richter, T., & Redman, M. (2016). The State of Homelessness in Canada 2016. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on
The Salvation Army Food 250-352-3488 Homelessness Press.
Gaetz, S., Donaldson, J., Richter, T., & Gulliver, T. (2013). The State of Homelessness in Canada 2013. Toronto: Canadian Homelessness
ANKORS Harm Reduction 250-505-5506 Research Network Press.
Homeless Hub. Causes of Homelessness: www.homelesshub.ca/about-homelessness/homelessness-101/causes-homelessness
Mental Health & Homeless Hub. Substance Use and Addiction: www.homelesshub.ca/about-homelessness/topics/substance-use-addiction
Nelson Mental Health & Substance Use 250-505-7248 Hwang, S. (2001). Homelessness and health. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 164, p. 229-233.
Harm Reduction Palepu, A. et al. (2013). Substance use and access to health care and addiction treatment among homeless and vulnerably housed persons in
three Canadian cities. PLoS ONE, 8, e75133. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0075133
Kootenay Career Development Society Employment 250-352-6200 Patel et al. (2020). Poverty, inequality and COVID-19: The forgotten vulnerable. Public Health, 183, p. 110-111. doi:
https://dx.doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.puhe.2020.05.006
Circle of Indigenous Nations Society Indigenous 250-231-4968 Perri, M., Dosani, N., & Hwang, S. (2020). COVID-19 and people experiencing homelessness: Challenges and mitigation strategies. Canadian
Medical Association Journal, 192, p. 716-719. doi: http://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.200834
Kootenay Kids Society Children/Families 250-352-6678 Poteat, T., Millett, G. A., Nelson, L. E., & Beyrer, C. (2020). Understanding COVID-19 risks and vulnerabilities among black communities in
America: The lethal force of syndemics. Annals of Epidemiology, 47, p. 1-3. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.annepidem.2020.05.004
Nelson & District Women’s Centre Women 250-352-9916 Power, T. et al., (2020). COVID-19 and Indigenous Peoples: An imperative for action. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 29, p. 2737-2741. doi:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15320
Freedom Quest Youth 250-304-2676 Raphael, D., & Mikkonen, J. (2010). Social Determinants of Health: The Canadian Facts. Toronto: York University School of Health Policy and
Management.
Nelson & District Youth Centre Youth 250-352-5656 Statistics Canada, 2016 Census of Population, Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-400-X2016148. Individual MBM Low-income Status and
Economic Family Characteristics of Persons for the Population in Private Households of Canada, Provinces and Territories, Census
Nelson Community Response Network Adults/Seniors 250-777-1110 Metropolitan Areas and Census Agglomerations, 2016 Census – 25% Sample Data.
Statistics Canada. 2017. Nelson, CY [Census subdivision], British Columbia and Central Kootenay, RD [Census division], British
Columbia (table). Census Profile. 2016 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-X2016001. Ottawa. Released November 29, 2017.
Selkirk College Students’ Union Students 250-365-1262 https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E
Statistics Canada. Table 14-10-0293-01 Labour force characteristics by economic region, three-month moving average, unadjusted for
City of Nelson Mayor & Councillors Varied 250-352-2131 seasonality, last 5 months doi: https://doi.org/10.25318/1410029301-eng
Statistics Canada. Table 14-10-0090-01 Labour force characteristics by province, territory and economic region, annual
Nelson At Its Best (formerly SPAN) Varied [email protected] doi: https://doi.org/10.25318/1410009001-eng
Thistle, J. (2017.) Indigenous Definition of Homelessness in Canada. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press.
Nelson CARES Society Varied 250-352-6011 www.homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/attachments/COHIndigenousHomelessnessDefinition.pdf
Tsai, J. & Wilson, M. (2020). COVID-19: A potential public health problem for homeless populations. The Lancet, Public Health, 5, p. 186-187.
Nelson Community Services Varied 250-352-3504 doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(20)30053-0
Wellesley Institute (2006). The Blueprint to End Homelessness in Toronto. www.wellesleyinstitute.com/wp-
content/uploads/2011/11/TheBlueprintfinal.pdf
Wellesley Institute (2020). Toronto and Peel have reported race-based and socio-demographic data – now we need action, written by Kwame
NCOH’s State of Services has info on services offered during COVID-19, updated weekly McKenzie. https://www.wellesleyinstitute.com/healthy-communities/toronto-and-peel-have-reported-race-based-and-socio-
demographic-data-now-we-need-action/
on Nelson CARES’ website: nelsoncares.ca/state-of-services-in-nelson/

Page 22 Page 23
 Acknowledgements
Nelson Committee on Homelessness
The Annual Report Card is made possible by many people. Sincere thanks go to all the community 5 521 Vernon Street, Nelson, BC V1L 4E5 250-352-6011 x19 [email protected]
and government services, the Report Card Committee, and the individuals who contributed their
annual statistics, comments, advice, support, and information to this Report Card. Thank you! CO-CHAIRS: CHERYL DOWDEN ([email protected]) PHYLLIS NASH ([email protected]) 250-352-9640

Editor: Rebecca Martin, Community Coordinator, NCOH Letter from the NCOH Co-Chairs
Dear Citizens of Nelson
Contributors: Adam Collinge (BC Housing), Alita Tondu, Andree Patenaude, Anna Maskerine, Anne-
Marie Haynes, Cheryl Dowden, Chris Jury (City of Nelson), Christine Vanlerberg, Dylan Griffith, Gerry Nelson Committee on Homelessness (NCOH) is producing its 12th Annual Report Card on
Bell, Gioconda Gordon (City of Nelson), Heather Elliott, Janet Boisvert, Jenny Robinson, Jessica Chant, Homelessness in Nelson. The focus this year (one that will always be remembered as the year of
Jim Reimer, Joyce Dahms, Julie Lepine, Kady Hunter, Karen Leman, Leisa Talbot, Lori Camilleri, Marjie Covid -19) is demonstrating the need for supported housing in Nelson, highlighting the impact of the
Hills, Phyllis Nash, Ryall Giuliano, Sandra Hartline, Shonna Hayes, Valerie Berthier (City of Nelson), intersection of Covid-19 crisis with the Opioid crisis and promoting the value of Coordinated Access
Valerie Sherriff, Vanessa Shields in meeting the needs of a very vulnerable population. We come from a position that adequate,
affordable housing is a basic human right.
Images: a) Gaetz, S., Donaldson, J., Richter, T., & Gulliver, T. (2013). The State of Homelessness in
Canada 2013. Toronto: Canadian Homelessness Research Network Press. b) Wellesley Institute’s There are three affordable housing developments being built in Nelson at this time. One targets low
Blueprint to End Homelessness (2007). c) Unknown authors under licenses CC BY-NC-ND, CC BY-SA, income seniors and those with disabilities; another targets low income single workers and the third
CC BY-SA-NC, and CC BY-NC-ND. d) A Pandemic Response and Recovery Toolkit for Homeless Systems will accommodate families and individuals. All three are desperately needed. None of these
Leaders in Canada. Prepared for Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness by OrgCode Consulting, Inc., projects will meet the needs of the street entrenched population or those who suffer from mental
June 2020. e) The Housing Affordability Continuum from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. health issues and addiction.
f) Reaching Home: Coordinated Access Guide by Employment and Social Development Canada.
We are entering our 7th year in Nelson with a 0% vacancy rate. More people in our community have
A special thank you to Kady Hunter for creating the Executive Summary infographic, and Cheryl become vulnerable and less able to meet their most basic needs because of a pandemic. It
Dowden, Heather Elliott, Jenny Robinson, Kady Hunter, Karen Leman, and Phyllis Nash for offering demonstrated how close much of our middle-class population is to losing their homes, not being able
helpful feedback and edits. to feed themselves and their children as well as how dependent we all are on each other for essential
supports. Significant government support delivered quickly has prevented many of these people from
Apologies to anyone missed and to those whom I didn’t have room to include finding themselves living in poverty or in some cases homeless.
The report card also notes the ongoing Overdose crisis. Covid and the Overdose crisis intersect with
the homeless population compounding the challenges already faced. Like the Covid pandemic, the
Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Reaching Overdose Crisis affects everyone and needs all of us to demand that our government provide a safe
Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy drug supply as well as a broad range of therapeutic services so all of us can be safe and healthy.
The current Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated that governments can provide resources to tackle
major social challenges effectively and efficiently. Across the country CERB and rental supplements
prevented homelessness by ensuring that many people could pay their mortgages and rents
The opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the authors and do not
PREVENTING them from losing their homes. Fear of spreading Covid-19 led to major supports for a
necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada. large number of the chronically homeless across the country. Housing was found in the form of
hotels, large empty spaces, campgrounds as well as other options and those being housed were
For inquires about this Report, or for more information about NCOH: supported by safe drug supplies, adequate food and other necessary services that promote health. By
[email protected] 250-352-6011 ext. 5266 in large these supported housing efforts have been extremely successful in keeping many of the most
521 Vernon Street, Nelson BC, V1L 4E9

Page 24 Page 25
vulnerable individuals in our society safe and healthy. There is extraordinarily little evidence that
those receiving these services have abused them in any way. SUPPORTED HOUSING works.
Our letter last year accompanying the report card asked that you support the development of
supportive housing in Nelson. We pointed out that the resources had been made available to provide
supported housing and that all we need was land. A year later we are in exactly the same position in
this regard. We need land on which to build supportive housing. Supportive Housing is a type of
social housing with “on-site supports and services to help people find and maintain housing stability,
such as life-skills training and connections to primary health care, mental health or substance use
services. It is for people who are homeless or at-risk.” (BC Housing) The Social Return on
Investment (SROI) in Supportive Housing study was carried out in B.C. in 2018 by Constellation
Consulting Group. This study demonstrated that not only are people stabilized in this type of housing,
but for every dollar invested in this housing, there is a four to five dollar gain in social and economic
value created. Without supported housing, we will not reduce homelessness significantly. Again,
we ask for your support in developing supportive housing in Nelson.

You can help. The following is a list of effective strategies for promoting change:
 Put pressure on your City Council to provide land for supportive housing. Talk to them and
write them.

 Put pressure on your provincial and federal governments to provide a safe drug supply for
those dealing with addiction. Letters do make a difference.

 Write your Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) letting them know that supportive
housing is a priority in addressing the needs of the homeless including the less visible
populations living in substandard housing

 Support compassionate approaches to assisting those who are experiencing homelessness,

poverty, and addiction.

 Support efforts to create more affordable youth housing in Nelson. We have an excellent but
small program in Cicada Place. We know it can work and is effective.

 When you see street entrenched people, smile warmly. Let’s begin with compassionate
support for people who are homeless. Be kind and treat everyone with dignity and respect.

NCOH challenges all readers of this report card to act to support the building of supportive housing in
this community for the most difficult individuals in our society to house and to demand a safe drug
supply for those who need it.

Sincerely,
Phyllis Nash Cheryl Dowden

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