Sudbury estimates 500 people in the city experiencing homelessness

There are around 500 people experiencing homelessness in Greater Sudbury.

The estimate was established during a point-in-time count this week, required under the federal Reaching Home funding agreement.

The count was conducted Oct. 8-9 by city staff and included people living in encampments, shelters or other transitional housing.

A similar count was conducted was October 2021 when 399 people were found to be homeless.

Cindy Junkala, Sudbury’s coordinator of shelters and homelessness, said that's a substantial increase in just three years.

"There is a lot more who are staying outside than there were in previous … counts and I think that speaks to a lot of the issues that we’re seeing in our economy," Junkala said.

"The cost of living is very high, affordable rent is very hard to find … It’s very difficult for those living in poverty and are facing discrimination to find places to live."

The count helps the city adjust homeless services and programs. City council will discuss the results at its meeting next week.

• Download the CTV News app now
• Get local breaking news alerts
• Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox