The problem with the issue of homelessness in White Rock and South Surrey is that – aside from a few high-profile street people – it doesn't appear to be that big of a problem.
But Jean Macdonald of the Peninsula Homeless to Housing Round Table said that impression can be deceptive. And she and other members of the group are convinced from anecdotal evidence that the general public is only seeing the proverbial tip of the iceberg locally.
That's why the fourth regional homeless count today (Wednesday) – in which the Round Table is participating with Sources (which is co-ordinating some 20 volunteers) and Options Society Outreach (which provides overall management) – is so important.
"We're hoping it will paint a clear picture of the numbers, because that's what we can use to advocate for services," Macdonald said.
The Round Table is a coalition of social agencies and several of the faith communities who work day to day addressing homelessness issues, she said.
"We work on educating ourselves and other people, on advocacy and taking a leadership position."
Macdonald said one thing that people on the Peninsula need to realize there really are homeless people sleeping in the open, or in cars, or camping in alleyways or the bush.
"Many of them are local people," she said. "They grew up in White Rock and South Surrey – this is their home. Many think this is an overflow from the city but that hasn't been the case."
The Round Table knows there are at least half a dozen high-profile homeless people on the Peninsula – that's how many come to the severe weather shelter set up by First United Church.
The basic definition of homeless is those not paying rent or board somewhere, Macdonald said.
"But the larger problem is those at risk of homelessness – there are many people just one catastrophic event or one paycheque away from losing their home," she added.
This is a situation that affects many single women and single older women in the area, she said.
"They are at risk not only of losing their housing but also of being in housing that is not safe or appropriate."
The phenomenon of people – particularly the young – "couch-surfing" with friends or relatives is also largely invisible, Macdonald said.
The last count, conducted in 2008, was frustrating on a number of scores, Macdonald said – not the least of which was that Peninsula statistics were lumped in with Tsawwassen statistics by regional co-ordinators.
But Macdonald said local organizers are hopeful the midnight-to-midnight count will eventually present a clearer picture.
Volunteers have been given qualified leads from social agencies in locating homeless people, and for the first time the regional count is extended to include hospitals, jail cells, detention centres and addiction treatment centres.
They are also armed with questionnaires that ask what circumstances have contributed to participants homelessness and what services they could benefit from, she said.
"We're expecting preliminary results in late April and all details by July."