Over 8,600 in Ottawa shelters

Community Action, March 21, 2005

OTTAWA -- Over 8,600 individuals were accommodated in shelters in 2004 according to the first Report Card on Homelessness in Ottawa. Report Cards are planned to measure the rate of homelessness in the city and measure progress over time, or rate progress against defined criteria. It will present a profile of homelessness in the City and introduce many organizations that work to reduce the impact of homelessness here. The report also indicates:

* Single men stayed in shelters for an average of 40 days,

* single women stayed 31 days,

* youths remained for 23 days, and

* families were sheltered for