How many people are Homeless in Nanaimo?
The Vancouver Island Health Authority estimates the average number of actual homeless individuals in 2008 in Nanaimo to be around 300. Individuals in this group include people who move from place to place in search of affordable housing as well as those physically residing out of doors for periods of time. City of Nanaimo figures show that 55% of tenants in Nanaimo spend more than 30% of their income on rent, while 2,855 households are reported to be spending more than 50% of their income on shelter. This fact drives many to seek other accommodations such as couch surfing, rooming houses and substandard accommodation.
