Regina's first homeless count set for May

For the first time, the city of Regina will try to determine how many people are homeless in the city.

A survey, conducted by volunteers led by the YMCA, is set for May. The volunteers will conduct their work through a 24-hour period.

The homeless count is welcomed by Cora Sellers, the executive director of Carmichael Outreach, a group which feeds and clothes the homeless.

"For the most part a lot of our homelessness problem here in Regina has been invisible," Sellers said. "And it's kind of permitted people to ignore the situation."

Funds for the count are coming from a federal program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness. Saskatoon has conducted a similar survey in the past.

Sellers said Carmichael Outreach has encountered an increase in the number of people needing help.

"We definitely see an increase in poverty and homelessness and it's evident to us every day," she said.

The volunteers will count the number of homeless people staying in emergency shelters, transitional houses and outdoors.

The count could also include people without a home but who are in police cells or detoxification centre.