A count of the homeless is underway across the Rainy River district.
The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board is working with some 40 agencies in trying to pinpoint the exact number of people.
The DSSAB’s Integrated Services Manager Sandra Weir says it’s part of a province-wide initiative.
“Basically the objective is to learn more about and response to homelessness in our district. In order for us to do that, we need to find out how many people are out there and what their situation is like.”
The actually count will take place through a confidential,voluntary survey of people who access the agencies involved.
Anyone not sleeping in their own house of apartment will have the opportunity to complete it.
It’s also being targeted as those whose current housing feels unsafe or are a bill away from homelessness.
Anyone who participates in the survey will receive a gift card that can be used at an area grocery store.
The survey will continue until April 18.
The results will be revealed later in the year.
Anyone who is homeless or at risk of being homeless is encouraged to visit the DSSAB’s offices on Scott Street in Fort Frances or in Atikokan at the Rawn Road Centre.