Survey shows the majority of homeless people in Vernon are from Vernon

VERNON – Contrary to the often-touted belief that Vernon is attracting homeless people from elsewhere, the vast majority of homeless people in Vernon either grew up in the area or have family living here, according to recent statistics.

The City of Vernon's summer census on homelessness counted 158 people who are homeless in the city. The number is up from 153 people in the fall of 2017 and 144 recorded in fall 2016.

Social Planning Council executive director Annette Sharkey presented the results at the City of Vernon's council meeting yesterday, July 23, saying the number was expected to be higher as people tend to move in the summer months. But 70 per cent of the homeless population surveyed had been in the city for more than 12 months.

Out of the 40 per cent of homeless individuals who participated in the survey, roughly 60 per cent either grew up in the area or have family living here. The stats also show that more than half of the homeless individuals who arrived in Vernon last year have family connections or grew up in the area.

The figures show a different picture than the often touted rhetoric that the majority of homeless individuals have moved to Vernon from elsewhere because of the warm climate and have no connections to the city.

Of the 158 people who are homeless, the majority were located at various shelters, while 30 people were observed to be living in homeless camps.

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