Official title: Everyone counts – A guide to Point-in-Time Counts in Canada – Standards for participation

On this page

• List of abbreviations
• Standards for participation in the enumeration and survey
• Core standards
• Recommended standards
• Core screening questions
• Core survey questions

List of abbreviations

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

CAB

Community Advisory Board

CE

Community Entity

CPP

Canada Pension Plan

DV

Domestic Violence

GIS

Guaranteed Income Supplement

GST

Goods and Services Tax

HIFIS

Homeless Individuals and Families Information System

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

HST

Harmonized Sales Tax

INFC

Infrastructure Canada

OAS

Old Age Security

PiT Count

Point-in-Time Count

PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

RCMP

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

RV

Recreational Vehicle

TB

Tuberculosis

VAC

Veterans Affairs Canada

Standards for participation in the enumeration and survey

The nationally coordinated Point-in-Time (PiT) Count approach includes core standards for the methodology that guide how the enumeration and survey are conducted in participating communities. The core standards support a consistent portrait of homelessness over time and allow for comparability across communities. At the same time, the approach gives flexibility for communities to adapt the methodology for their local context. The core standards identify common screening and survey questions that are asked across participating communities. The PiT Count approach also includes recommended standards, based on effective practices used by communities in Canada. The PiT Count includes two components: the PiT Count Enumeration and the Survey on Homelessness.

PiT Count Enumeration

This is a count of how many people experience homelessness in shelters, transitional housing and unsheltered areas on a single night between October 1 and November 30.

Survey on Homelessness

This is a survey of people experiencing homelessness that collects information on their demographics and experiences over the course of up to one month between October 1 and December 31, where survey collection must start before November 30. The survey can be separate from the enumeration.

Core standards

Core standard 1

Participating communities will administer the PiT Count Enumeration between October 1 and November 30 and the Survey on Homelessness between October 1 and December 31. Consult the Guide to Point in Time Counts in Canada for more information.

Core standard 2

The methodology used by the communities includes the core screening and core survey questions. Additional information is described in the Guide to Point-in-Time Counts in Canada.

Core standard 3

The PiT Count is led by the Reaching Home Community Entity (CE), the Indigenous Homelessness CE, a collaboration between the two or by a third-party contracted to lead the count.

Core standard 4

The local implementation of the PiT Count is based on consultations with relevant local partners, including the CE, the Community Advisory Board (CAB), as well as the Indigenous Homelessness CE and CAB, where applicable. The local methodology is approved by the CE and Indigenous Homelessness CE, where applicable. The PiT Count lead is required to submit an interim report (using a template provided) to Infrastructure Canada (INFC) describing the local methodology by August 31 of the year of the PiT Count.

Core standard 5

The results of the PiT Count are reported to INFC via the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS), or another approved tool. In order for the data to be integrated into the national database, data must be provided in a format consistent with that database (guidance to be provided by INFC). The enumeration data is due two months after the enumeration date and the survey data is due two months after the completion of the survey. This information will contribute to the understanding of homelessness across Canada, and will not be used to publicly report on findings from individual communities.

Core standard 6

Shelters for people experiencing homelessness are among the core locations that must be included in both the enumeration and the survey.

For the PiT Count Enumeration, sheltered counts are based on the number of individuals staying in emergency shelters, extreme weather shelters, and Domestic Violence (DV) shelters on a single night. Where applicable, it may also include families or individuals who received hotel or motel vouchers in lieu of shelter beds. The enumeration for Domestic Violence (DV) shelters should be reported as a separate component of sheltered counts. Counts for shelters are based on data collected by shelter data systems, where available (for example, HIFIS).

Core standard 7

Transitional housing is a core location that must be included in both the enumeration and the survey.

For the PiT Count Enumeration, transitional housing counts are based on the number of people in transitional housing or transitional shelter programs on a single night. This housing typically provides longer-term housing solutions with supports intended to help individuals transition from homelessness to secure housing.

Core standard 8

Unsheltered homelessness is a core location that must be included in both the enumeration and the survey.

The unsheltered data collection process can cover the entire community, known locations within a community, or it can use a statistical sampling approach (typically in large communities). In some cases, it can also use a mixed approach. Unsheltered overnight locations include:

• streets
• alleys
• parks
• other greenspaces
• transit stations
• abandoned buildings
• vehicles
• ravines
• other outdoor locations where people experiencing homelessness are known to sleep

For the PiT Count Enumeration, unsheltered counts are determined via screening questions administered on the night of the count or the following day. Some communities may also include observed homelessness. Teams should only use observed homelessness when they are unable to engage with someone and use strict criteria (for example, a person who is sleeping outside with their belongings).

The enumeration for encampments should be reported as a separate component of unsheltered counts. An encampment is an outdoor location with a group of visible structures that can take many forms, such a tents, shanties, or shacks, where two or more individuals live. Enumeration in encampments may be completed earlier during the day of the enumeration, or the following day.

Core standard 9

Although it is not possible to enumerate hidden homelessness using a PiT Count approach, people experiencing hidden homelessness should be screened into the survey. Even though it is not mandatory, communities can consider approaches to increase the participation of people experiencing hidden homelessness, such as magnet events. Hidden homelessness can include those who are:

• living temporarily with others, but without guarantee of continued residency or immediate prospects for accessing permanent housing (for example, couch surfing)
• people accessing short term, temporary rental accommodations without security of tenure and with no access to a safe and permanent residence (for example, self-funded motel/hotel)

Because it is not possible to measure the extent of hidden homelessness using the PiT Count methodology, hidden homelessness is not part of the core locations for the enumeration.

Core standard 10

The survey collection may take place for up to one month.

Large communities may use a sampling approach for their shelter survey (for example, a representative sample of the shelters or shelter residents), but they must explain their sampling strategy.

Core standard 11

The PiT Count lead is responsible for the quality of data collected.

Every possible measure should be taken to prevent the duplication of results and ensure that each person is counted and surveyed only once. This could be through unique identifiers, mitigation efforts, survey scripts and de-duplication of the data (consult Section 5 in the Guide to Point-in-Time Counts).

The lead is also responsible for ensuring that staff and volunteers receive the proper training, including:

• count standards
• screening and survey procedures
• data management and privacy
• personal safety

Core standard 12

The results of the PiT Count should be reviewed with count partners to support the interpretation and communication of the results. At a minimum, partners include the Designated Community CE and CAB, as well as the Indigenous Homelessness CE and CAB, or other Indigenous community partner, where appropriate.

Particular effort should be made to communicate the findings to those who work in the sector and those who experience homelessness.

Recommended standards

Recommended standard 1

The local community PiT Count approach (for example, additional survey questions or populations, areas to be enumerated or surveyed, magnet events for different populations such as hidden homelessness, youth, Indigenous, women, etc.) should be based on consultations with relevant sectors involved in homelessness, including:

• CABs
• Indigenous communities
• municipalities
• shelters and other homeless-sector service providers
• people with lived experience of homelessness
• local police and emergency services
• transit authorities

Cooperation with these sectors will contribute to the successful implementation of the PiT Count.

Recommended standard 2

If possible, the local PiT Count reports can include data from local public systems—including correctional facilities, juvenile detention centres, hospitals, detox centres—for people who have no fixed address and who are imminently going to be released, but have no discharge plan that includes housing. This number is not included in the core enumeration.

Recommended standard 3

The PiT Count coordinator should work closely with the HIFIS Lead or the lead for community Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS) data, as well as any other local shelter data coordinator, where applicable.

Recommended standard 4

The results should be shared with the respective province or territory. Where the municipality has a requirement to enumerate and survey homelessness, the CE should work with the municipality to ensure that the enumeration and survey meets requirements. Additionally, the CE should ensure that the municipality has access to all necessary data for their reporting requirement, where applicable.

Recommended standard 5

While not part of the survey, it may be useful to track contextual data that helps to explain changes in the population between years. This can include information such as the:

• rental vacancy rates
• number of people in core housing need
• number of people in permanent supportive housing (Housing First) or long term transitional housing

Core screening questions

The nationally-coordinated PiT Count approach includes a set of common screening questions that are asked across all participating communities. This decides whether someone is enumerated or, for the survey, selected to answer the full survey. You can find more information about these screening questions and how to conduct them in the Guide to Point-in-Time Counts in Canada.

Screening question A

Have you answered this questionnaire/survey with a person with this [identification for example, button]?

• yes
• no

If a respondent answers “yes”, the questionnaire/survey would end here, the respondent would be tallied in the enumeration, and then thanked for their participation.

If a respondent answers “no”, proceed to screening question B.

Screening question B

Are you willing to participate in the survey?

• yes
• no

If a respondent answers “yes”, proceed to screening question C.

If a respondent answers “no”, the questionnaire/survey would end here, the respondent would be tallied in the enumeration, and then thanked for their participation.

Screening question C

Where are you staying tonight? / Where did you stay last night?

1. decline to answer
2. own apartment or house
3. someone else's place
4. motel or hotel (self-funded)
5. hospital
6. treatment centre
7. jail, prison, remand centre
8. homeless shelter (emergency, family or domestic violence shelter)
9. hotel or motel (funded by city or homeless program)
10. transitional shelter or housing
11. unsheltered in a public space (for example, street, park, bus shelter, forest or abandoned building)
12. encampment (for example group of tents, makeshift shelters or other long-term outdoor settlements)
13. vehicle (car, van, RV, truck, boat)
14. unsure: indicate probable location (b. to m.)

If a respondent answers a. or b., the questionnaire/survey would end here, the respondent would be tallied in the enumeration, and then thanked for their participation.

If a respondent answers c. to g., the survey would progress to question C1 and the enumeration can either progress to question C1 (if the community includes it), or the enumeration would end here, the respondent would be tallied, and then thanked for their participation.

If a respondent answers h. to n., the survey would begin and the enumeration would be recorded and ended, and then thanked for their participation.

Screening question C1 (Included in the Survey on Homelessness)

If answered c. to g. in screening question C, then ask “Do you have access to a permanent residence where you can safely stay as long as you want?”

1. yes
2. no (not permanent and/or not safe)
3. don't know
4. decline to answer

If a respondent answers a. or d., the questionnaire/survey would end here, the respondent would be tallied in the enumeration, and then thanked for their participation.

If a respondent answers b. or c., the survey would begin and the enumeration would be recorded and ended, and then thanked for their participation.

Core survey questions

The answers to these survey questions are used by communities to help understand the experience of homelessness locally and to plan services to prevent and end homelessness. They also contribute to the understanding of homelessness across Canada. You can find more information about these questions and how to conduct the survey in the Guide to Point-in-Time Counts in Canada.

Survey question 1

Have you spent at least one night in any of the following locations in the past year? [Check all that apply]

• homeless shelter (emergency, family or domestic violence shelter)
• hotel/motel (funded by city or homeless program)
• transitional shelter or housing
• unsheltered in a public space (for example, street, park, bus shelter, forest, or abandoned building)
• encampment (for example, group of tents, makeshift shelters or other long-term outdoor settlement)
• vehicle (car, van, RV, truck, boat)
• someone else's place because you had nowhere else to go
• hospital or other health facility
• jail, prison, or other correctional facility
• no
• don't know
• decline to answer

Survey question 2

Do you have family members or anyone else who is staying with you tonight? / Did any family members or anyone else stay with you last night? [Indicate survey number for partners. Check all that apply]

• none
• partner [note survey number of partner]
• child(ren) or dependent(s) [indicate age for each child/dependent]
• others (can include other family or friends) [insert answer]
• decline to answer

Survey question 3

How old are you [or] What year were you born? [If unsure, ask for best estimate]

• age (in years): [insert age]
• or year: [insert year]
• don't know
• decline to answer

Script

For this survey, "homelessness" means any time when you have been without a permanent and secure place to live, and includes sleeping in shelters, on the streets, or living temporarily with others without having your own permanent housing (for example, couch surfing).

Survey questions 4a

In total, for how much time have you experienced homelessness over the past year (the last 12 months)? [Does not need to be exact. Best estimate.]

• length [insert number, indicating: days, weeks or months]
• don't know
• decline to answer

Survey questions 4b

In total, for how much time have you experienced homelessness over the past 3 years? [Does not need to be exact. Best estimate.]

• less than half
• about half or more
• don't know
• decline to answer

Survey question 5

How old were you the first time you experienced homeless?

• age (in years): [insert age]
• don't know
• decline to answer

Survey question 6

Did you come to Canada as an immigrant, refugee, refugee claimant (for example, applied for refugee status after coming to Canada), or on another type of visa?

• yes, immigrant
• yes, refugee
• yes, refugee claimant in Canada
• yes, temporary foreign worker
• yes, other work permit
• yes, study permit
• yes, temporary resident
• yes, other (including undocumented)
• no
• don't know
• decline to answer

[If yes] How long have you been in Canada?

• length [insert number, indicating days, weeks, months or years]
• or date [insert date] [day, month, year]
• don't know
• decline to answer

Survey question 7

How long have you been in (community name)?

• length [insert number, indicating days, weeks or months]
• always been here
• don't know
• decline to answer

[If length indicated] Where did you live before you came here?

• indicate community and province or country [insert answer]
• decline to answer

Survey question 8a

Do you identify as First Nations (with or without status), Métis, or Inuit? [If yes, please specify] (community note: The wording of this question can be adapted to what makes sense in your community, for example by listing specific First Nations)

• yes, First Nations
• yes, Inuit
• yes, Métis
• Indigenous Ancestry
• no
• don’t know
• decline to answer

Survey question 8b

In addition to your response in the question above, do you identify with any of the racial identities listed below? [Show or read list. Select all that apply].

• identify as Indigenous only
• Arab (for example, Syrian, Egyptian, Yemeni, etc.)
• Asian-East (for example, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, etc.)
• Asian-South-East (for example, Filipino, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Malaysian, Laotian, etc.)
• Asian-South or Indo Caribbean (for example, Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Indo-Guyanese, Indo-Trinidadian, etc.)
• Asian-West (for example, Iranian, Afghan, etc.)
• Black-Canadian/American
• Black-African (for example, Ghanaian, Ethiopian, Nigerian, etc.)
• Black-Afro-Caribbean or Afro-Latinx (for example, Jamaican, Haitian, Afro-Brazilian, etc.)
• Latin American (for example, Brazilian, Mexican, Chilean, Cuban, etc.)
• White (for example, European, French, Ukrainian, Euro-Latinx, etc.)
• not listed (please specify)
• don't know
• decline to answer

Survey question 9

Have you ever served in the Canadian military or RCMP? [prompt: Military includes Canadian Navy, Army, and Air Force, Regular and Reserve, including Army Rangers]

• yes, Military
• yes, RCMP
• both Military and RCMP
• no
• don't know
• decline to answer

Survey question 10

As a child or youth, were you ever in foster care or in a youth group home (community note: include any other Provincial child welfare programs)? [Note: This question applies specifically to child welfare programs.]

• yes
• no
• don’t know
• decline to answer

Survey question 11

Do you identify as having any of the following health challenges at this time:

• illness or medical condition [for example, diabetes, arthritis, TB or HIV]
• yes
• no
• don't know
• decline to answer
• Physical limitation [for example, challenges with mobility, physical abilities or dexterity]
• yes
• no
• don't know
• decline to answer
• Learning or cognitive limitations [for example, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder or as a result of ADHD]
• yes
• no
• don't know
• decline to answer
• Acquired brain injury [for example, from injury related to an accident, violence, an overdose, stroke or brain tumour]
• yes
• no
• don't know
• decline to answer
• Mental health issue [diagnosed/undiagnosed] [for example, depression, Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or bipolar disorder]
• yes
• no
• don't know
• decline to answer
• Substance use issue [for example, alcohol or opiates]
• yes
• no
• don't know
• decline to answer

Survey question 12

What gender do you identify with? [Show list or read list]

• man
• woman
• two Spirit
• trans woman
• trans man
• non-binary (genderqueer)
• not listed: [insert answer]
• don't know
• decline to answer

Survey question 13

How do you describe your sexual identity, for example straight, gay, lesbian? [Show list or read list]

• straight or heterosexual
• gay
• lesbian
• bisexual
• two Spirit
• pansexual
• asexual
• queer
• questioning
• not listed: [insert answer]
• don't know
• decline to answer

Survey question 14a

What happened that caused you to lose your housing most recently? [Do not read the options. Check all that apply. “Housing” does not include temporary arrangements (for example, couch surfing) or shelter stays. Follow up for the reason if the respondent says “eviction” or that they “chose to leave”.]

• not enough income for housing [for example, loss of benefit, income or job]
• unfit or unsafe housing condition
• building sold or renovated
• owner moved in
• complaint [for example, pets, noise or damages]
• left the community or relocated
• death or departure of family member
• other reason [insert answer]
• conflict with spouse or partner
• conflict with parent or guardian
• conflict with landlord
• conflict with: Other [insert answer]
• experienced abuse by spouse or partner
• experienced abuse by parent or guardian
• experienced abuse by landlord
• experienced abuse by: Other [insert answer]
• experienced discrimination by spouse or partner
• experienced discrimination by parent or guardian
• experienced discrimination by landlord
• experienced discrimination by: Other [insert answer]
• physical health issue
• mental health issue
• substance use issue
• hospitalization or treatment program
• incarceration (jail or prison)
• don't know
• decline to answer

Survey question 14b

Was your most recent housing loss related to an eviction? [can be either a formal or informal eviction]

• yes
• no
• don't know
• decline to answer

Survey question 14c

How long ago did that happen (that you lost your housing most recently)? (best estimate)

• length [insert number, indicating days, weeks, months or years]
• don't know
• decline to answer

Survey question 15

What are your sources of income? [Reminder that this survey is anonymous. Read list and check all that apply]

• full time employment
• part time employment
• casual employment (for example, contract work)
• informal income sources (for example, bottle returns, panhandling or sex work)
• Employment insurance
• disability benefit (for example, name of provincial disability benefit)
• seniors benefits (for example, CPP, OAS or GIS)
• welfare or social assistance (for example, name of provincial benefit)
• veteran or VAC Benefits
• child and family tax benefits
• GST or HST refund
• money from family or friends
• other money from a service agency
• other source: [insert answer]
• no income
• don't know
• decline to answer

Contact us

If you have any questions about these standards.
Email: hpd.data-donnees.dpmi@infc.gc.ca