Courtesy: CHAT Newsroom

By Angela Kazmierczak

Number of individuals accessing local shelter consistent with other locations

May 4, 2023 | 5:01 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – It’s estimated that around 150,000 to 300,000 Canadians are homeless, and that figure is only increasing.

As for The Mustard Seed located in Medicine Hat, the senior director says their numbers are consistent with their other locations.

Over the winter, The Mustard Seed sheltered around 22 to 25 individuals. But now with the warmer temperatures in May of 2023, around 12 people are accessing the shelter.

But Samantha Lowe, the Senior Director of Shelter Operations, says the number of homeless individuals is expected to be much higher.

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“We know that given the population that uses our services, there’s always those who are rough sleeping, couch surfing – who are sort of hidden homelessness. So we’re expecting the numbers that we’re seeing are typically higher in the city, and we’re only seeing those who choose to use our services,” said Lowe.

“Homelessness is such a complex issue. We talk about housing and housing is incredibly important, but also having the wraparound services and the support for those who may experience mental health issues or substance use disorders, recovery programs, food security and financial security,” she said.

Lowe says strengthening programs, funding additional programs and reducing barriers in access will help people exit homelessness and poverty long term.