By Lauren Sproule, Carleton School of Journalism.
On a given night, there are about 1,800 homeless people living in Ottawa.
These are the people who have access to shelters, day programs, and other services.
But there is another faction of homeless - those who are hidden from view.
“Hidden homeless” are those who live with family or friends because they cannot afford a place of their own.
City of Ottawa spokesperson Paul Lavigne says it is important to "understand their needs" because the City currently has little knowledge of how many people in Ottawa are dealing with hidden homelessness.
The City will be conducting a count of the homeless on Thursday to get a more accurate tally of Ottawa's homeless population, with a particular emphasis on uncovering the number of hidden homeless.
The count is part of a province-wide initiative to reduce and prevent homelessness.
Lavigne says, "This initiative will give us a better understanding of how many people are experiencing hidden homelessness and exactly what their needs are."
The count will be carried out in places like shelters, hospitals, and social service centres.