Last week, we counted 35 people sleeping outside. I didn't know 12 of them and we couldn't find another 12-15 who we knew were outside. This means that the minimum number of people sleeping rough is about 50. There could be a lot more, but now we have a number to start with 1/n

We gave each person the choice of $20 cash, or $25 gift card for superstore. Unsurprisingly, most(31) chose the cash. Lots of social service orgs give out gift cards, but it is likely cheaper to give out cash, and obviously people prefer cash. 2/n

The average age was 41. Three folks were older than 60, and three were 25 or younger. Heartbreakingly, the oldest was 79 and the youngest was 21. I really hope I live to be 79 and don't have to encounter someone like me trying to help out. 3/n

12 folks identified as female, 22 as male, and 1 as non-binary. In Halifax we have 34 shelter beds for female identifying adults and approx. 87 beds for male identifying adults. (not counting the youth shelter) 4/n

6 folks identified as being part of the LGBTQ2S community, which is way disproportionate to the general population. 5/n

11 identified as indigenous, which is way disproportionate to the general population. 6/n

3 identified as having African ancestry which is way disproportionate to the general population. 7/n

15 folks would gladly go to a shelter, but every time they or I called, the shelters were full so they had to sleep outside. Only 2 people said they didn't want a place to live. Most homeless folks don't want to be homeless. 8/n

19 people had no income at all. Current income assistance policy dictates that you need to have an address in order to qualify for 'essentials' rate of $280. Without an address a number of them lacked drug coverage too. 9/n

It was a rough day, and I often have rough days, but overall I am so lucky to be able to do the work I do. I have a very supportive organization which allows me to be flexible and to try and affect change. 10/n

Today I helped a client go shopping for furnishings and groceries for their new apartment. I am privileged to be able to witness those successess alongside so many struggles. it keeps the work interesting if nothing else! Thanks for reading my threads lately. 11/11