BRIDGING RURAL HOMELESSNESS AND WELL-BEING 2024 Well-being Insights: Community Perceptions of Homelessness & Related Service Provision TECHNICAL REPORT Report Authors: Jayme Jones (Faculty Researcher & Project Director), Jennifer Preston (Faculty Researcher & Outreach Lead), Leeza Perehudoff (Faculty Research Assistant), Zakeea Al-Hanafy (Outreach Intern), Mackenzie Fernquist-Kosteniuk (Outreach Intern) Other Contributors from the Bridging Rural Homelessness & Well-being Team: Amber Streukens (Lived Experience Co-Researcher), Matthew Wheating (Lived Experience CoResearcher) Acknowledgements: While these authors prepared this report with support from the other listed contributors, the residents of Nelson, Castlegar, and Trail who shared their perspectives made this report possible. We thank you for your time and contributions. We would also like to thank our partners for the financial and in-kind support provided. Publication Date: June 2025 Recommended Citation: Jones, J., Preston, J., Perehudoff, L., Al-Hanafy, Z., & FernquistKosteniuk, M. (2025). 2024 Well-being insights: Community perceptions of homelessness and related service provision - Technical report. Selkirk College. On behalf of Selkirk College, we acknowledge that we operate and serve learners on the unceded traditional territories of the Sinixt (Lakes), the Syilx (Okanagan), the Ktunaxa, and the Secwépemc (Shuswap) peoples. 2 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 Introduction Bridging Rural Homelessness and Well-being: A Sustainable and Collaborative Regional Response is a three-year social innovation project (2022-2025) by Selkirk Innovates, the applied research arm of Selkirk College. The project aims to improve the well-being of residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the rural communities of Nelson, Castlegar, and Trail, located in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia. This community perceptions research builds on findings from the study 2023 Well-being Insights: Voices of West Kootenay Service Users and Service Providers, which explored the needs and opportunities identified by unhoused individuals and the service providers who support them. To broaden the understanding of diverse perspectives in the region and respond to emerging needs, the 2024 research focused on exploring and documenting public perceptions of homelessness. In response, the 2024 Well-being Insights: Community Perceptions of Homelessness and Related Service Provision survey was developed to inform service providers and decision-makers of the community’s behaviours, attitudes, and beliefs, helping to shape services and initiatives that promote community engagement and support. Understanding community perceptions is important for informing better decisions that align policies with public sentiment, reducing resistance to supportive services and identifying barriers faced by those working with unhoused populations. 1 2 Additionally, this study contributes to the current discourse on rural homelessness in Canada, where research remains limited. 3 Methods Community members from Nelson, Castlegar, and Trail were invited to participate in a voluntary online survey to share their perceptions of homelessness and related service provision in their respective communities (see Appendix: Informed Consent and Questionnaire). The survey was hosted through SurveyMonkey and open from July 1–August 19, 2024. This technical report presents the quantitative survey results, using descriptive/summary statistics. Data are presented for all communities combined and by each community individually. The ‘n’ in the results represents the number of responses. 1 McGinty, E. E., & Barry, C. L. (2020). Stigma reduction to combat the addiction crisis - developing an evidence base. The New England Journal of Medicine, 382(14), 1291–1292. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMp2000227 2 Caruth, M. (2021). Poverty and homelessness: History, contributing factors, modern reality and misconceptions, personal narratives, and community impact (Publication No. 822) [Undergraduate project, Grand Valley State University]. ScholarWorks@GVSU. https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/honorsprojects/822 3 Schiff, R., Wilkinson, A., Kelford, T., Pelletier, S., & Waegemakers Schiff, J. (2022). Counting the undercounted: Enumerating rural homelessness in Canada. International Journal on Homelessness, 3(2), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.5206/ijoh.2022.2.14633 3 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 CONTENTS 1.0 All Communities ...................................................................................................................................... 5 1.1 Demographics ..................................................................................................................................... 5 1.2 Community Conditions ....................................................................................................................... 7 1.3 Service Provision ................................................................................................................................. 9 1.4 Well-being of Unhoused Population ................................................................................................. 11 1.5 Information Sources.......................................................................................................................... 12 1.6 Community Engagement .................................................................................................................. 12 2.0 Nelson ................................................................................................................................................... 13 2.1. Demographics .................................................................................................................................. 13 2.2 Community Conditions ..................................................................................................................... 14 2.3 Service Provision ............................................................................................................................... 16 2.4 Well-being of Unhoused Population ................................................................................................. 19 2.5 Information Sources.......................................................................................................................... 20 2.6 Community Engagement .................................................................................................................. 20 3.0 Castlegar ............................................................................................................................................... 21 3.1 Demographics ................................................................................................................................... 21 3.2 Community Conditions ..................................................................................................................... 22 3.3 Service Provision ............................................................................................................................... 24 3.4 Well-being of Unhoused Population ................................................................................................. 27 3.5 Information Sources.......................................................................................................................... 28 3.6 Community Engagement .................................................................................................................. 28 4.0 Trail ....................................................................................................................................................... 29 4.1 Demographics ................................................................................................................................... 29 4.2 Community Conditions ..................................................................................................................... 30 4.3 Service Provision ............................................................................................................................... 32 4.4 Well-being of Unhoused Population ................................................................................................. 35 4.5 Information Sources.......................................................................................................................... 36 4.6 Community Engagement .................................................................................................................. 36 Appendix: Informed Consent and Questionnaire ....................................................................................... 37 4 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 1.0 ALL COMMUNITIES Data for “All communities” represent the combined results from Nelson, Castlegar, and Trail. Community of Residence (n=835) Castlegar, 21% (n=174) Nelson, 40% (n=338) Trail, 39% (n=323) 1.1 Demographics Personal Experiences of Homelessness I have experienced homelessness 14% I have stayed with friends for an extended period of time out of necessity I have lived in my vehicle 26% 12% I have experienced unstable or temporary housing 32% I have a close family member or friend who has experienced homelessness 39% I have not experienced any homelessness 42% Respondents from All Communities (n=571) 5 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 Duration of Residence Under a year 2% 1-2 years 5% 3-5 years 11% 6-8 years 9% More than 8 years Prefer not to answer 72% 1% Respondents from All Communities (n=580) Age 18-29 9% 30-39 21% 40-59 42% 60+ Prefer not to answer 26% 2% Respondents from All Communities (n=579) Gender Male Female Gender non-conforming (including non-binary and gender fluid) Prefer to self-describe Prefer to not answer Respondents from All Communities (n=578) 26% 68% 1% 1% 4% 6 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 Level of Education No formal education Some grade school Some high school 1% 1% 2% 6% 6% High school or GED Apprenticeship, trades certificate, or diploma 28% College certificate or diploma 11% Some post-secondary 25% Bachelor’s degree 17% Graduate/Professional degree (Masters, PhD, MD, etc.) 4% Prefer not to answer Respondents from All Communities (n=578) 1.2 Community Conditions Importance of Homelessness 1% 1% 2% Not at all important 2 3 56% 7% 4 18% 15% 5 6 Very important Respondents from All Communities (n=739, weighted average = 6.1) Impact of Homelessness 57% 0% 2% 4% 7% No impact 2 3 4 14% 16% 5 6 A big impact Respondents from All Communities (n=743, weighted average = 6.1) 7 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 Increase in Unhoused Population Over Last Five Years 63% 3% 2% 4% 7% I have not noticed any increases in the unhoused population 2 3 4 14% 9% 5 6 I have noticed a substantial increase in the unhoused population Respondents from All Communities (n=739; weighted average = 5.4) Causes of Homelessness (From a Pre-Populated List) Addiction or substance use Mental health concerns Housing affordability Lack of access to resources and supports Housing availability Illness or medical condition History of family trauma Other Inflation Job loss Discrimination Household conflict Prefer not to answer 4% 3% 1% 8% 7% 33% 30% 14% 14% 14% 45% 55% 63% Respondents from All Communities (n=747) 8 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 1.3 Service Provision Local Government Advocacy for Funding 49% 14% Strongly disagree 4% 6% 9% 10% 9% 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly agree Respondents from All Communities (n=641; weighted average = 5.2) Support for Services Within City Limits Public hygiene facilities (n=646) 9 3 4 10 9 10 55 Overnight shelter (n=640) 9 45 9 7 10 56 Low-barrier housing (n=643) 10 3 5 9 10 10 53 A coordinated access hub (n=641) 7 33 7 11 11 59 Supervised consumption services (n=639) 27 4 8 9 8 7 37 A city-sanctioned outdoor shelter site (n=642) 28 6 7 11 11 6 31 A foodbank or meal program (n=635) 4 24 9 9 13 59 Outreach services (n=634) 5 23 8 9 10 62 Respondents from All Communities (%) Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly agree 9 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 Effective Means of Support for the Unhoused All Communities Weighted Average* (n=633) 9.6 9.1 8.6 7.4 6.7 6.6 5.9 5.3 5.2 4.8 4.5 4.3 Ranking a list of options from most effective to least effective *The closer the weighted average is to 12, the more effective Overnight shelter or low-barrier housing Food banks/lunch programs Hygiene facilities Mental health, harm reduction, and substance use supports Appropriate clothing Low-barrier access to healthcare Inclusive employment programs Community education about homelessness Outreach services Regional collaboration Year-round drop-in centres (coordinated access) Improved transportation options Perceptions of Supervised Consumption Sites and Overdose Prevention Services Save lives (n=633) 14 3 4 16 8 9 46 16 35 15 9 10 42 14 3 5 19 11 8 41 Reduce harms associated with unregulated substance use (n=635) 15 24 15 11 12 40 Decrease costs associated with emergency resources attending overdoses (n=634) 18 34 17 10 9 39 Increase availability of first responders in my community (n=634) 16 35 18 13 Reduce overdoses (n=635) Support the unhoused population to access other health services and substance use care (n=634) 9 Reduce public drug use (n=633) 22 45 17 9 Reduce hospital stays (n=626) 16 35 20 10 8 20 8 7 Reduce stigma (n=629) 25 7 37 8 35 10 34 26 Respondents from All Communities (%) Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly Agree 10 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 1.4 Well-being of Unhoused Population Concern About the Well-being of the Unhoused Population 52% 5% 3% 4% Strongly disagree 2 3 11% 14% 12% 4 5 6 Strongly agree Respondents from All Communities (n=602; weighted average = 5.2) External Observations and Personal Attitudes Towards the Unhoused Population Negative attitudes are impacting the well-being of the unhoused population in my community (n=605) 14 5 6 10 14 11 I have witnessed discrimination of the unhoused population in my community (n=605) 15 8 8 11 9 9 I am unconsciously contributing to negative attitudes towards the unhoused population in my community (n=602) 32 I am consciously contributing to negative attitudes towards the unhoused population in my community (n=604) 59 I avoid interacting with the unhoused population in my community (n=605) 18 13 16 39 39 10 6 6 12 6 8 5 3 6 22 11 10 14 13 10 20 Respondents from All Communities (%) Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly Agree 11 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 1.5 Information Sources Access to and Reliability of Information Sources I am able to access the information I am looking for regarding services or programs for the unhoused population (n=580) 8 7 9 27 18 11 20 I trust the information I receive regarding services or programs for the unhoused population (n=581) 10 6 11 22 18 16 17 Respondents from All Communities (%) Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly agree 1.6 Community Engagement Opportunities to Share and Contribute to Decision-making I have opportunities to share my perspectives on services and supports for unhoused populations in my community (n=575) 17 I feel that my perspective is considered by local decision-makers (n=568) 33 14 13 22 14 8 16 15 18 8 46 13 Respondents from All Communities (%) Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly agree Likelihood of Taking Action to Improve the Well-being of Those Experiencing Homelessness 25% 18% 12% Very unlikely 7% 7% 2 3 20% 12% 4 5 6 Very likely Respondents from All Communities (n=578; weighted average = 4.4) 12 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 2.0 NELSON 2.1. Demographics Personal Experiences of Homelessness I have experienced homelessness 16% I have stayed with friends for an extended period of time out of necessity 29% I have lived in my vehicle 15% I have experienced unstable or temporary housing I have a close family member or friend who has experienced homelessness 38% 36% I have not experienced any homelessness 38% Respondents from Nelson (n=231) Duration of Residence Under a year 3% 1-2 years 5% 3-5 years 14% 6-8 years 10% More than 8 years Prefer not to answer 67% 0.4% Respondents from Nelson (n=235) Age 18-29 30-39 40-59 60+ Prefer not to answer 9% 24% 43% 22% 3% Respondents from Nelson (n=234) 13 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 Respondents from Nelson (n=234) Gender Male 29% Female 65% Gender non-conforming (including non-binary and gender fluid) 1% Prefer to self-describe 2% Prefer to not answer 3% Level of Education No formal education 0% Some grade school 0% Some high school 1% High school or GED 5% Apprenticeship, trades certificate, or diploma 6% College certificate or diploma 23% Some post-secondary 11% Bachelor’s degree 28% Graduate/Professional degree (Masters, PhD, MD, etc.) 23% Prefer not to answer 3% Respondents from Nelson (n=233) 2.2 Community Conditions Importance of Homelessness 1% 2% 2% Not at all important 2 3 57% 7% 4 16% 15% 5 6 Very important Respondents from Nelson (n=293, weighted average = 6.1) 14 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 Impact of Homelessness 57% 0% 1% 3% 6% No impact 2 3 4 15% 18% 5 6 A big impact Respondents from Nelson (n=295; weighted average = 6.2) Increase in Unhoused Population Over Last Five Years 2% 2% 4% I have not noticed any increases in the unhoused population 2 3 63% 14% 8% 4 8% 5 6 Respondents from Nelson (n=295; weighted average = 5.4) I have noticed a substantial increase in the unhoused population Causes of Homelessness (From a Pre-Populated List) Addiction or substance use Mental health concerns Housing affordability Lack of access to resources and supports Housing availability Other History of family trauma Illness or medical condition Job loss Inflation Household conflict Discrimination Prefer not to answer 57% 56% 46% 37% 30% 15% 14% 13% 9% 6% 3% 3% 1% Respondents from Nelson (n=296) 15 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 2.3 Service Provision Local Government Advocacy for Funding 54% 13% Strongly disagree 3% 7% 7% 8% 6% 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly agree Respondents from Nelson (n=259; weighted average = 5.3) Support for Services within City Limits Public hygiene facilities (n=263) 9 5 9 59 Overnight shelter (n=260) 9 3 6 10 6 8 58 Low-barrier housing (n=263) 10 3 5 8 11 6 57 A coordinated access hub (n=262) 7 42 6 11 8 63 9 8 10 3 4 Supervised consumption services (n=258) 24 5 7 8 A city-sanctioned outdoor shelter site (n=262) 24 3 7 12 41 7 11 35 A foodbank or meal program (n=258) 5 35 9 7 10 62 Outreach services (n=258) 5 14 9 9 7 65 Respondents from Nelson (%) Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly agree 16 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 Effective Means of Support for the Unhoused Nelson Weighted Average* (n=253) 9.9 9.1 8.4 7.5 6.8 6.5 5.8 5.1 5.1 4.9 4.7 4.3 Ranking a list of options from most effective to least effective *The closer the weighted average is to 12, the more effective Overnight shelter or low-barrier housing Food banks/lunch programs Hygiene facilities Mental health, harm reduction, and substance use supports Low-barrier access to healthcare Appropriate clothing Inclusive employment programs Outreach services Community education about homelessness Regional collaboration Year-round drop-in centres (coordinated access) Improved transportation options Perceptions of Supervised Consumption Sites and Overdose Prevention Services 14 1 4 Save lives (n=258) 15 8 10 48 16 2 2 16 9 12 43 Support the unhoused population to access other health services and substance use care (n=256) 15 2 2 15 13 11 42 Reduce harms associated with unregulated substance use (n=258) 16 2 2 16 12 13 40 2 2 16 11 12 17 10 9 12 20 11 13 16 1 3 19 14 6 17 Reduce overdoses (n=257) Decrease costs associated with emergency resources attending overdoses (n=259) 17 20 Reduce public drug use (n=255) 44 17 Reduce hospital stays (n=256) Increase availability of first responders in my community (n=259) 23 Reduce stigma (n=252) 8 8 39 36 36 12 9 36 28 Respondents from Nelson (%) Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly Agree 17 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 Awareness of Local Services ANKORS Aimee Beaulieu Transition House 13 64 64 BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction 47 Cicada Place 49 49 20 Freedom Quest Youth Services Society 50 50 18 Interior Health Integrated Crisis Response Team Kootenay Boundary Adult Supported Recovery Program 16 69 69 22 68 68 18 39 39 Salvation Army Food Bank 34 22 25 35 35 Stepping Stones 18 74 74 20 58 58 12 83 83 22 12 80 80 Rural Empowered Drug Users Network (REDUN) 10 87 87 Our Daily Bread The HUB 25 27 27 Nelson Community Services Outreach The Advocacy Centre 18 35 35 Nelson CARES Society Selkirk College Student Outreach 33 43 Kootenay Career Development Society Salvation Army Pathways of Hope 33 47 43 Interior Health Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) Program 12 81 81 65 65 21 Respondents from Nelson (%) (n=263) I have heard of this service provider/ location and know what they do I have heard of this service provider/ location, but don't know what they do I do not know anything about this service provider/ location 18 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 2.4 Well-being of Unhoused Population Concern About the Well-being of the Unhoused Population 4% 2% 5% 7% Strongly disagree 2 3 4 56% 14% 12% 5 6 Strongly agree Respondents from Nelson (n=243; weighted average = 5.3) External Observations and Personal Attitudes Towards the Unhoused Population Negative attitudes are impacting the well-being of the unhoused population in my community (n=246) 14 4 8 11 13 11 9 I have witnessed discrimination of the unhoused population in my community (n=246) 14 7 9 12 8 11 39 I am unconsciously contributing to negative attitudes towards the unhoused population in my community (n=245) 30 I am consciously contributing to negative attitudes towards the unhoused population in my community (n=245) 59 I avoid interacting with the unhoused population in my community (n=245) 16 12 19 12 4 6 9 7 8 737 20 12 11 15 12 8 23 Respondents from Nelson (%) Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly Agree 19 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 2.5 Information Sources Access to and Reliability of Information Sources I am able to access the information I am looking for regarding services or programs for the unhoused population (n=231) 5 5 8 29 I trust the information I receive regarding services or programs for the unhoused population (n=233) 8 6 12 21 22 20 13 18 18 16 Respondents from Nelson (%) Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly agree 2.6 Community Engagement Opportunities to Share and Contribute to Decision-making I have opportunities to share my perspectives on services and supports for unhoused populations in my community (n=235) 16 I feel that my perspective is considered by local decisionmakers (n=235) 28 14 20 13 19 17 16 17 8 4 7 9 12 Respondents from Nelson (%) Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly agree Likelihood of Taking Action to Improve the Well-being of Those Experiencing Homelessness 16% 11% 5% Very unlikely 2 25% 21% 14% 8% 3 4 5 6 Very likely Respondents from Nelson (n=236; weighted average = 4.5) 20 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 3.0 CASTLEGAR 3.1 Demographics Personal Experiences of Homelessness I have experienced homelessness 19% I have stayed with friends for an extended period of time out of necessity 36% I have lived in my vehicle 17% I have experienced unstable or temporary housing I have a close family member or friend who has experienced homelessness 34% 47% I have not experienced any homelessness 34% Respondents from Castlegar (n=121) Duration of Residence Under a year 3% 1-2 years 6% 3-5 years 9% 6-8 years 15% More than 8 years Prefer not to answer 65% 2% Respondents from Castlegar (n=121) Age 18-29 12% 30-39 29% 40-59 42% 60+ Prefer not to answer 16% 2% Respondents from Castlegar (n= 121) 21 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 Gender Respondents from Castlegar (n=121) Male Female 23% 73% Gender non-conforming (including non-binary and gender fluid) 1% Prefer to self-describe Prefer to not answer 0% 3% Level of Education No formal education Some grade school Some high school High school or GED Apprenticeship, trades certificate, or diploma College certificate or diploma Some post-secondary Bachelor’s degree Graduate/Professional degree (Masters, PhD, MD, etc.) Prefer not to answer 2% 2% 3% 6% 6% 31% 7% 26% 14% 2% Respondents from Castlegar (n=121) 3.2 Community Conditions Importance of Homelessness 43% 21% 3% 2% 3% Not at all important 2 3 10% 4 5 18% 6 Very important Respondents from Castlegar (n=154, weighted average = 5.7) 22 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 Impact of Homelessness 1% 6% No impact 32% 19% 17% 4 5 Respondents from Castlegar (n=155; weighted average = 5.2) 6 15% 10% 2 3 Increase in the Unhoused Population Over the Past Five Years A big impact 39% 23% 7% I have not noticed any increases in the unhoused population 3% 2 8% 10% 3 4 11% 5 6 Respondents from Castlegar (n=151; weighted average = 4.9) I have noticed a substantial increase in the unhoused population Causes of Homelessness (From a Pre-Populated List) Housing affordability Addiction or substance use Mental health concerns Housing availability Lack of access to resources and supports History of family trauma Illness or medical condition Other Inflation Job loss Discrimination Household conflict Prefer not to answer 1% 6% 5% 14% 13% 12% 12% 21% 28% 38% 37% 52% 56% Respondents from Castlegar (n=155) 23 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 3.3 Service Provision Local Government Advocacy for Funding 47% 9% 7% 5% 9% 10% 13% Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly agree Respondents from Castlegar (n=128; weighted average = 5.3) Support for Services within City Limits Public hygiene facilities (n=130) 5 4 4 13 12 13 49 Overnight shelter (n=129) 8 5 3 9 12 11 52 Low-barrier housing (n=129) 8 2 6 9 10 14 51 A coordinated access hub (n=128) 6 32 6 15 13 35 12 12 6 8 10 12 5 Supervised consumption services (n=129) 22 A city-sanctioned outdoor shelter site (n=129) 21 9 A foodbank or meal program (n=127) Outreach services (n=126) 6 5 5 7 6 40 36 56 16 13 322 9 55 16 56 Respondents from Castlegar (%) Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly agree 24 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 Effective Means of Support for the Unhoused Castlegar Weighted Average* (n=130) 9.4 9.1 8.6 7.1 7.0 6.6 6.0 5.8 5.2 4.6 4.5 4.2 Ranking a list of options from most effective to least effective *The closer the weighted average is to 12, the more effective Overnight shelter or low-barrier housing Food banks/lunch programs Hygiene facilities Appropriate clothing Mental health, harm reduction, and substance use supports Low-barrier access to healthcare Inclusive employment programs Community education about homelessness Outreach services Improved transportation options Regional collaboration Year-round drop-in centres (coordinated access) Perceptions of Supervised Consumption Sites and Overdose Prevention Services Save lives (n=127) 11 2 2 14 9 12 50 Reduce harms associated with unregulated substance use (n=129) 10 2 6 15 12 6 48 Reduce overdoses (n=128) 11 5 8 13 9 11 44 Decrease costs associated with emergency resources attending overdoses (n=128) 15 3 5 20 11 5 41 Support the unhoused population to access other health services and substance use care (n=127) 12 3 2 22 13 8 39 Increase availability of first responders in my community (n=128) 11 3 9 20 11 9 38 Reduce hospital stays (n=128) 12 7 4 21 14 8 34 Reduce public drug use (n=128) 20 5 5 20 13 9 29 Reduce stigma (n=127) 19 9 8 28 7 5 24 Respondents from Castlegar (%) Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly Agree 25 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 Awareness of Local Services ANKORS 62 Axis Family Resources 28 42 10 32 26 Castlegar & District Community Services Society 57 32 11 Castlegar & District Community Services Society Outreach 60 24 16 Community Harvest Food Bank 78 Freedom Quest Youth Services Society 50 Interior Health Integrated Crisis Response Team 38 Interior Health Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) Program 42 Kootenay Boundary Adult Supported Recovery Program 23 23 29 34 32 56 Out of the Cold Shelter 54 Selkirk College Student Outreach 17 39 30 39 23 21 22 19 48 11 33 Kootenay Career Development Society Rural Empowered Drug Users Network (REDUN) 11 24 50 27 25 Respondents from Castlegar (%) (n=128) I have heard of this service provider/ location and know what they do I have heard of this service provider/ location, but don't know what they do I do not know anything about this service provider/ location 26 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 3.4 Well-being of Unhoused Population Concern About the Well-being of the Unhoused 47% 16% 4% 3% 3% Strongly disagree 2 3 15% 12% 4 5 6 Strongly agree Respondents from Castlegar (n=121; weighted average = 5.1) External Observations and Personal Attitudes Towards the Unhoused Population Negative attitudes are impacting the well-being of the unhoused population in my community (n=123) 7 7 6 11 I have witnessed discrimination of the unhoused population in my community (n=124) 20 12 15 8 9 13 13 10 I am unconsciously contributing to negative attitudes towards the unhoused population in my community (n=123) 20 I am consciously contributing to negative attitudes towards the unhoused population in my community (n=123) 25 51 I avoid interacting with the unhoused population in my community (n=123) 20 38 32 15 11 5 4 13 8 9 6 7 6 24 12 9 13 19 9 15 Respondents from Castlegar (%) Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly Agree 27 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 3.5 Information Sources Access to and Reliability of Information Sources I am able to access the information I am looking for regarding services or programs for the unhoused population (n=120) 8 5 8 29 I trust the information I receive regarding services for programs for the unhoused population (n=121) 7 6 11 21 23 18 11 18 17 19 Respondents from Castlegar (%) Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly agree 3.6 Community Engagement Opportunities to Share and Contribute to Decision-making I have opportunities to share my perspectives on services and supports for unhoused populations in my community (n=120) 16 13 22 12 8 16 18 18 12 2 5 15 I feel that my perspective is considered by local decisionmakers (n=119) 29 15 Respondents from Castlegar (%) Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly agree Likelihood of Taking Action to Improve the Well-being of Those Experiencing Homelessness 27% 26% 3% 6% 7% Very unlikely 2 3 4 17% 15% 5 6 Very likely Respondents from Castlegar (n=120; weighted average = 4.7) 28 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 4.0 TRAIL 4.1 Demographics Personal Experiences of Homelessness I have experienced homelessness 10% I have stayed with friends for an extended period of time out of necessity 19% I have lived in my vehicle 6% I have experienced unstable or temporary housing I have a close family member or friend who has experienced homelessness 25% 38% I have not experienced any homelessness 50% Respondents from Trail (n=220) Duration of Residence Under a year 0.4% 1-2 years 4% 3-5 years 8% 6-8 years 5% More than 8 years Prefer not to answer 80% 2% Respondents from Trail (n=225) Age 18-29 7% 30-39 15% 40-59 41% 60+ Prefer not to answer 35% 2% Respondents from Trail (n=225) 29 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 Respondents from Trail (n=224) Gender Male Female Gender non-conforming (including non-binary and gender fluid) 24% 69% Prefer to self-describe Prefer to not answer 1% 5% 1% Level of Education No formal education 0% Some grade school 0% Some high school 1% High school or GED 7% Apprenticeship, trades certificate, or diploma 7% College certificate or diploma 31% Some post-secondary 12% Bachelor’s degree 21% Graduate/Professional degree (Masters, PhD, MD, etc.) Prefer not to answer 14% 6% Respondents from Trail (n=225) 4.2 Community Conditions Importance of Homelessness 61% 0% 0% 1% 5% Not at all important 2 3 4 17% 14% 5 6 Very important Respondents from Trail (n=292, weighted average = 6.3) 30 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 Impact of Homelessness 70% 0% 1% 1% 5% No impact 2 3 4 10% 13% 5 6 A big impact Respondents from Trail (n=293; wighted average = 6.4 ) Increase in the Unhoused Population Over the Past Five Years 1% 1% 1% I have not noticed any increases in the unhoused population 2 3 9% 4% 4 5 Respondents from Trail (n=293; weighted average = 5.7) 75% 8% 6 I have noticed a substantial increase in the unhoused population Causes of Homelessness (From a Pre-Populated List) Addiction or substance use Mental health concerns Housing affordability Lack of access to resources and supports Housing availability Illness or medical condition Other History of family trauma Inflation Job loss Discrimination Household conflict Prefer not to answer 15% 13% 10% 6% 4% 3% 3% 1% 25% 39% 33% 63% 76% Respondents from Trail (n=296) 31 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 4.3 Service Provision Local Government Advocacy for Funding 45% 16% Strongly disagree 3% 5% 2 3 10% 10% 10% 4 5 6 Strongly agree Respondents from Trail (n=255; weighted average = 5.0) Support for Services within City Limits Public hygiene facilities (n=254) 10 10 9 35 9 Overnight shelter (n=252) 53 10 4 6 8 6 11 55 Low-barrier housing (n=252) 11 3 5 10 10 11 A coordinated access hub (n=252) 6 33 8 10 14 49 56 Supervised consumption services (n=253) 32 4 10 9 6 6 32 A city-sanctioned outdoor shelter site (n=252) 35 8 5 10 11 6 25 A foodbank or meal program (n=251) 424 10 9 15 57 Outreach services (n=251) 6 21 8 12 11 61 Respondents from Trail (%) Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly agree 32 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 Effective Means of Support for the Unhoused Trail Weighted Average* (n=251) 9.4 9.2 8.9 7.5 6.7 6.4 5.8 5.4 5.3 5.0 4.4 4.1 Ranking a list of options from most effective to least effective *The closer the weighted average is to 12, the more effective Overnight shelter or low-barrier housing Food banks/lunch programs Hygiene facilities Mental health, harm reduction, and substance use supports Appropriate clothing Low-barrier access to healthcare Inclusive employment programs Community education about homelessness Outreach services Regional collaboration Year-round drop-in centres (coordinated access) Improved transportation options Perceptions of Supervised Consumption Sides and Overdose Prevention Services Save lives (n=249) 15 4 6 19 8 7 41 Support the unhoused population to access other health services and substance use care (n=252) 13 3 8 21 9 5 40 39 Reduce overdoses (n=251) 18 4 6 16 8 8 Reduce public drug use (n=251) 25 4 5 15 8 6 19 4 4 16 13 7 37 20 3 6 16 9 9 37 17 3 6 14 10 13 Increase availability of first responders in my community (n=248) Decrease costs associated with emergency resources attending overdoses (n=248) Reduce harms associated with unregulated substance use (n=249) Reduce hospital stays (n=243) 19 Reduce stigma (n=251) 29 38 3 9 20 8 8 7 8 19 8 5 36 33 25 Respondents from Trail (%) Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly Agree 33 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 Awareness of Local Services ANKORS 59 BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction 47 Freedom Quest Youth Services Society 51 29 25 Lower Columbia Affordable Housing Society 19 26 60 49 18 15 43 25 30 27 6 22 18 Salvation Army Food Bank and Lunch Program 27 56 86 46 11 3 27 Trail Career Development Services 27 71 20 44 30 Trail FAIR Society 9 26 68 United Church Food Bank United Way British Columbia 43 76 La Nina Shelter Trail Community Action Team 17 28 60 Selkirk College Student Outreach 27 32 Kootenay Career Development Society Rural Empowered Drug Users Network (REDUN) 19 32 Interior Health Kiro Wellness Centre Kootenay Boundary Adult Supported Recovery Program 23 34 41 Interior Health Integrated Crisis Response Team Interior Health Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) Program 18 21 83 57 11 13 31 4 12 Respondents from Trail (%) (n=254) I have heard of this service provider/ location and know what they do I have heard of this service provider/ location, but don't know what they do I do not know anything about this service provider/ location 34 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 4.4 Well-being of Unhoused Population Concern About the Well-being of the Unhoused 51% 5% 3% 3% Strongly disagree 2 3 12% 14% 12% 4 5 6 Strongly agree Respondents from Trail (n=239; weighted average = 5.2) External Observations and Personal Attitudes Towards the Unhoused Population Negative attitudes are impacting the well-being of the unhoused population in my community (n=237) 18 5 510 13 12 I have witnessed discrimination of the unhoused population in my community (n=236) 15 9 8 9 9 8 I am unconsciously contributing to negative attitudes towards the unhoused population in my community (n=235) 39 16 10 13 9 8 6 I am consciously contributing to negative attitudes towards the unhoused population in my community (n=237) 64 14 5 7 326 I avoid interacting with the unhoused population in my community (n=238) 24 8 10 14 11 12 37 42 21 Respondents from Trail (%) Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly Agree 35 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 4.5 Information Sources Access to and Reliability of Information Sources I am able to access the information I am looking for regarding services or programs for the unhoused population (n=230) 10 10 10 25 13 8 23 I trust the information I receive regarding services or programs for the unhoused population (n=228) 14 23 15 13 17 7 11 Respondents from Trail (%) Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly agree 4.6 Community Engagement Opportunities to Share and Contribute to Decision-making I have opportunities to share my perspectives on services and supports for unhoused populations in my community (n=221) 18 I feel that my perspective is considered by local decisionmakers (n=215) 42 13 12 24 12 12 19 11 9 13 646 Respondents from Trail (%) Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly agree Likelihood of Taking Action to Improve the Well-being of Those Experiencing Homelessness 17% Very unlikely 15% 9% 8% 2 3 4 23% 20% 9% 5 6 Very likely Respondents from Trail (n=223; weighted average = 4.1) 36 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 APPENDIX: INFORMED CONSENT AND QUESTIONNAIRE 2024 Well-being Insights: Community Perceptions of Homelessness and Related Service Provision Informed Consent and Survey This survey is an opportunity for you, a community member, to share your perspectives on homelessness in the communities of Trail, Castlegar, and Nelson. This survey is part of the Selkirk College three-year applied research project Bridging Rural Homelessness and Well-being: A Sustainable and Collaborative Regional Response. This research is conducted by a team at Selkirk Innovates, the research and innovation division at Selkirk College. The aim of this project is to improve the well-being of those experiencing homelessness in Trail, Castlegar and Nelson. This survey is being conducted to better understand community perceptions on homelessness. This includes understanding perceptions on current conditions, services that support the unhoused population, well-being of the unhoused, information sources, and community engagement. The data collected from this survey will be analyzed and compiled into a report to be shared with stakeholders. This report will be publicly shared through the Selkirk College website and other communications channels, such as social media. The information in this report will help inform local decision-makers about how to better support the unhoused population while also creating a safe and inclusive community for all. This survey contains both closed-ended and open-ended questions. If you agree to fill out the survey it should take about 15 minutes to complete. Your participation is voluntary. You may quit the survey at any time. You may also skip a question if you do not wish to answer it. This survey is confidential. There is an option to enter a prize draw after completing this survey. Contact information collected for this prize draw will be collected separate from survey responses. The prize is a $100 gift certificate to a local business of your choice and a $100 donation, on your behalf, to a social service organization in your community. There is an additional option for you to be considered for a focus group. This focus group will dive deeper into community perceptions on homelessness based on these survey results. If you choose to be considered for this focus group, you will be prompted to leave your contact information. In this situation, your contact information will be attached to your survey results. Your results will not be anonymous to the Selkirk College research team. This will allow the research team to select focus group members with diverse perspectives. However, your responses remain confidential. There are no known risks if you decide to participate in this survey. However, if emotional support is needed to help you process anything that comes up due to the questions, you can contact the Mental Health BC Hotline at 310-6789 (no area code needed). If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Jayme Jones, Faculty Researcher, at jjones1@selkirk.ca. The Selkirk College Research Ethics Board has approved this research study. If you have any ethical concerns, please contact reb@selkirk.ca. We thank you for taking the time to complete this survey and sharing your perspectives with us. Check yes to confirm that you understand the informed consent statement on this survey and agree to participate. □ Yes □ No Please use a ✔ or ✘ in the □ to select your answers. 37 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 Introduction 1. Are you 18 years of age or older? □ Yes □ No 2. Which study area community do you live in? Or, if you live in a rural area outside of one of the study area communities, which community is closest to you? □ Nelson □ Castlegar □ Trail □ I do not live in one of the study area communities or a rural area immediately surrounding one of these communities Community Conditions 3. How important is the issue of homelessness to you? Not at all Important 2 3 4 □ □ □ □ 5 □ 6 □ Very important □ 4. Rate the impact of homelessness in your community. No impact 2 3 4 □ □ □ □ 5 □ 6 □ A big impact □ 5. Please describe what the impact of homelessness looks like in your community: 6. To what extent have you noticed an increase in the unhoused population in your community over the past five years? I have not I have noticed noticed any a substantial increases in increase in the the unhoused unhoused population 2 3 4 5 6 population □ □ □ □ □ □ □ 7. What do you think are the top three causes of homelessness in your community? Select three from the list. □ Inflation □ Job loss □ Housing affordability □ Housing availability □ Household conflict □ Discrimination □ Lack of access to resources and supports □ History of family trauma □ Addiction or substance use □ Illness or medical condition □ Mental health concerns □ Other (please specify): ________________________________________ 38 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 Service Provision 8. 9. Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements: Within the city limits of my community, I support… Strongly disagree 2 3 Publicly available hygiene facilities (i.e., □ □ □ washroom, shower) 4 5 6 Strongly agree □ □ □ □ An overnight shelter □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Low-barrier housing (i.e., where financial and employment requirements are minimal) □ □ □ □ □ □ □ A coordinated access hub (i.e., centralized access to services, such as medical or social support services) □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Supervised consumption services (i.e., the injection or inhalation of unregulated substances) □ □ □ □ □ □ □ A city-sanctioned outdoor shelter site (e.g., tenting) □ □ □ □ □ □ □ A foodbank or meal program □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Outreach services □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statement: I think my local government should advocate to the provincial and federal governments to reallocate some funds to increase supports for the unhoused population in my community. Strongly Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 agree □ □ □ □ □ □ □ 10. What thoughts do you want share about having a shelter and/or social housing in your community? (i.e., subsidized housing owned and/or operated by the government or a non-profit organization) 39 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 11. Please navigate to the table for your community (skipping the other communities in this list) and indicate your level of awareness about the following service providers/service locations in your community. (Please note some services listed are no longer operational but were recently available in your community.) NELSON I have heard of this service provider/location and know what they do I have heard of this service provider/location, but don’t know what they do I do not know anything about this service provider/ location □ □ □ Aimee Beaulieu Transition House □ □ □ BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction □ □ □ Cicada Place □ □ □ Freedom Quest Youth Services Society □ □ □ Interior Health Integrated Crisis Response Team □ □ □ Interior Health Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) Program □ □ □ Kootenay Boundary Adult Supported Recovery Program □ □ □ Kootenay Career Development Society □ □ □ Nelson CARES Society □ □ □ Nelson Community Services Outreach □ □ □ Our Daily Bread □ □ □ Rural Empowered Drug Users Network (REDUN) □ □ □ Salvation Army Food Bank □ □ □ Salvation Army Pathways of Hope □ □ □ Selkirk College Student Outreach □ □ □ Stepping Stones □ □ □ The Advocacy Centre □ □ □ The HUB □ □ □ Service provider/ Service location ANKORS 40 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 CASTLEGAR I have heard of this service provider/location and know what they do I have heard of this service provider/location, but don’t know what they do I do not know anything about this service provider/ location □ □ □ Axis Family Resources □ □ □ Castlegar & District Community Services Society □ □ □ Castlegar & District Community Services Society Outreach □ □ □ Castlegar Community Connections Centre □ □ □ Community Harvest Food Bank □ □ □ Freedom Quest Youth Services Society □ □ □ Interior Health Integrated Crisis Response Team □ □ □ Interior Health Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) Program □ □ □ Kootenay Boundary Adult Supported Recovery Program □ □ □ Kootenay Career Development Society □ □ □ Out of the Cold Shelter □ □ □ Rural Empowered Drug Users Network (REDUN) □ □ □ Selkirk College Student Outreach □ □ □ Service provider/ Service location ANKORS 41 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 TRAIL I have heard of this service provider/location and know what they do I have heard of this service provider/location, but don’t know what they do I do not know anything about this service provider/ location □ □ □ BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction □ □ □ Freedom Quest Youth Services Society □ □ □ Interior Health Integrated Crisis Response Team □ □ □ Interior Health Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) Program □ □ □ Interior Health Kiro Wellness Centre □ □ □ Kootenay Boundary Adult Supported Recovery Program □ □ □ Kootenay Career Development Society □ □ □ La Nina Shelter □ □ □ Lower Columbia Affordable Housing Society □ □ □ Rural Empowered Drug Users Network (REDUN) □ □ □ Salvation Army Food Bank and Lunch Program □ □ □ Selkirk College Student Outreach □ □ □ Trail Career Development Services □ □ □ Trail Community Action Team □ □ □ Trail FAIR Society □ □ □ United Church Food Bank □ □ □ United Way British Columbia □ □ □ Service provider/ Service location ANKORS 42 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 12. What are, in your opinion, the most effective means of support for the unhoused population? Please rank from 1 to 12, where 1 is the most effective and 12 is the least effective. Access to appropriate clothing Access to food banks/lunch programs Access to hygiene facilities (i.e., washroom, shower) Access to overnight shelter or low-barrier housing with supports Community education about homelessness Improved transportation options Inclusive employment programs that support those who are experiencing substance use disorder and mental health concerns Low-barrier access to healthcare Low barrier access to mental health, harm reduction, and substance use supports Outreach services Regional collaboration between service providers and municipal governments Year-round drop-in centres (e.g., coordinated access locations, emergency weather facilities) 43 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 13. Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements: I believe that supervised consumption and overdose prevention services… Strongly disagree 2 3 4 Decrease costs associated with emergency resources attending □ □ □ □ overdoses 5 6 Strongly agree □ □ □ Increase availability of first responders in my community □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Reduce harms associated with unregulated substance use (e.g., drug poisoning or blood borne infections) □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Reduce hospital stays □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Reduce overdoses □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Reduce public drug use □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Reduce stigma □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Save lives □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Support the unhoused population to access other health services and substance use care □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Well-being of Unhoused Populations 14. Please indicate your agreement with the following statement: I am concerned about the well-being of the unhoused population in my community. Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 □ □ □ □ □ Strongly agree □ 6 □ 15. Please indicate your agreement with the following statements: Strongly Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 agree Negative attitudes are impacting the wellbeing of the unhoused population in my community. □ □ □ □ □ □ □ I have witnessed discrimination of the unhoused population in my community. □ □ □ □ □ □ □ I am unconsciously contributing to negative attitudes towards the unhoused population in my community. □ □ □ □ □ □ □ I am consciously contributing to negative attitudes towards the unhoused population in my community. □ □ □ □ □ □ □ I avoid interacting with the unhoused population in my community. □ □ □ □ □ □ □ 44 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 16. In your opinion, what is the best way to reduce negative attitudes about the unhoused population in your community? 17. What ideas do you have to improve the well-being of the unhoused population in your community? Information Sources 18. Please indicate your agreement with the following statements: I am able to access the information I am looking for regarding services or programs for the unhoused population. I trust the information I receive regarding services or programs for the unhoused population. Strongly disagree 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly agree □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ 19. Where do you currently find information about services for the unhoused population in your community? Be as specific as you can. 45 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 Community Engagement 20. Please indicate your agreement with the following statement: Strongly disagree 2 I have opportunities to share my perspectives on services and supports for □ □ unhoused populations in my community. I feel that my perspective is considered by local decision-makers. □ □ 3 4 5 6 Strongly agree □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ 21. How likely are you to take action(s) that will improve the well-being of those experiencing homelessness in your community. Very unlikely 2 3 4 5 6 Very likely □ □ □ □ □ □ □ 22. What would encourage you to become an active participant in the initiatives that improve the well-being of the unhoused population in your community? 23. How can you personally contribute to improving the well-being of the unhoused population in your community? 46 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025 About You 24. What is your age? □ 18-29 □ 30-39 □ 40-59 □ 60+ □ Prefer to not answer 25. What is your gender? □ Male □ Female □ Gender non-conforming (including non-binary and gender fluid) □ Prefer to self-describe: ______________________________________ □ Prefer to not answer 26. What is the highest level of education you have completed? □ No formal education □ Some grade school □ Some high school □ High school or GED □ Apprenticeship, trades certificate, or diploma □ College certificate or diploma □ Some post-secondary □ Bachelor’s degree □ Graduate/Professional degree (Masters, PhD, MD, etc.) □ Prefer not to answer 27. How long have you lived in your present community? □ Under a year □ 1-2 years □ 3-5 years □ 6-8 years □ More than 8 years □ Prefer not to answer 28. Have you experienced any of the following in your life? Select all that apply. □ I have experienced homelessness □ I have stayed with friends for an extended period of time out of necessity □ I have lived in my vehicle □ I have experienced unstable or temporary housing □ I have a close family member or friend who has experienced homelessness □ I have not experienced any homelessness Conclusion 29. Is there anything else you would like to share with the research team around any of the topics addressed in this survey? 30. Would you like to provide your contact information to be considered for a focus group discussion? This focus group will be approximately 1.5 hours (90 minutes) in length. Please enter all fields: Name Phone Number Email Address 47 2024 Community Perceptions Technical Report June 2025