As of last October, there are at least 531 people experiencing homelessness across Nipissing.
That’s according to the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board, which came to the number after coordinated effort from area municipalities, homelessness service providers, health care and correctional facilities and more.
It means our area has seen a 77% increase in homelessness since 2023, where 300 people were counted.
“Addressing homelessness in Nipissing comes with unique challenges, as the District spans
over 17,000 square kilometers of mostly rural and remote communities – more than twice
the size of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area,” says Mark King, DNSSAB chair. “With no public transit services and most social supports centralized in North Bay, individuals in outlying areas face significant barriers to accessing essential services.”
over 17,000 square kilometers of mostly rural and remote communities – more than twice
the size of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area,” says Mark King, DNSSAB chair. “With no public transit services and most social supports centralized in North Bay, individuals in outlying areas face significant barriers to accessing essential services.”
Key Survey Findings:
- 81% were single adults
- 61% identified as male
- 48% identified as Indigenous
- 138 were staying in unsheltered situations including encampments and vehicles
- 130 were staying in emergency or violence against women shelters (VAW shelters)
- 117 were staying in public institutions with no fixed address (health care, treatment,
correctional facilities) - 80 were experiencing hidden homelessness including couch-surfing
- 66 were staying in a transitional housing program
