Winnipeg is taking a closer look at the city’s homeless population and exploring what needs to be done to support them.

End Homelessness Winnipeg launched its Street Census on Tuesday. Volunteers will take to the streets between Wednesday and Friday for a specific count, counting the number of homeless people in Winnipeg on those dates and asking them what their greatest needs are.

“We see the full picture of homelessness; “Who is impacted, where and why,” said Jackie Hunt, senior director of strategy and impact at End Homelessness in Winnipeg. he said.

“This information will allow us to understand the extent of homelessness in Winnipeg.”

Hunt said the census will also highlight service gaps in Winnipeg.

“We will learn where mental health, affordable housing or other resources may be needed, and that will guide decisions and funding,” he said.

Volunteers will operate from four locations at a given time during the count: Thunderbird House, End Homeless Winnipeg, The Link and Mount Carmel Clinic. Organizers are also holding a four-day count to help speak to more people.

The last census took place in May 2022 and counted 1,256 people experiencing homelessness. From this number, 75 percent were local and are less likely to access housing due to perceived discrimination. The report also found that more than half of those experiencing homelessness had previous CFS involvement, and more than half still experienced homelessness despite receiving employment and income assistance.