females in the homeless population has been rising since 2005. In 2005, one of four homeless person (26%) was female but by 2011 nearly one in three (30%) was female. The number of homeless families counted increased. Fifty-six homeless families with 54 children were found. This was the highest number of families ever recorded in a Count. The majority of the children, 32 of the 54, were 12 years or younger. The majority of the homeless families (55%) reported being homeless due to family breakdown, abuse or conflict. More seniors remained homeless longer. Although their ranks did not increase from 2008, more than 200 people aged 55 years and older were found. Nearly 48% of the seniors were considered long term homeless -- people who had been without a home for at least one year. Large segments of this population also faced health issues. Health conditions for people who are homeless have worsened. Incidence of multiple health challenges among the homeless increased significantly. Nearly two out of three homeless people surveyed (62%) reported multiple health conditions, including one in three (31%) that reported three or four health challenges. The unsheltered homeless population had difficulties accessing food. Nearly 70% of the unsheltered homeless population had not had a good meal for two or more days when they were encountered on Count Day. On the other hand, 75% of the sheltered reported eating a good meal within 24 hours of the Count. Add new comment Your name Comment * CAPTCHA This question