Deaths among British Columbians experiencing homelessness have risen dramatically in recent years, a report from the BC Coroners Service revealed. At least 342 homeless people died in 2022, which is 75 more than in 2021, and 198 more than in 2020. From 2015 to 2022, a total of 1,464 people living without a home have died. The report highlights that between 2015 and 2020, the average annual death count was 143, but in the past two years, it has more than doubled to 305.
The city of Vancouver saw the highest number of deaths, followed by Surrey and Victoria. According to the report, 74 percent of fatalities were among individuals aged 30 to 59, and 82 percent were male.
The report defines homelessness broadly, encompassing those living outdoors, in makeshift shelters, parked vehicles, vacant homes, or any other unsuitable space. It also includes individuals staying in overnight or short-term shelters, safe and transition houses, or those temporarily residing with family or friends for less than 30 days.
The report revealed that 90 percent of deaths among homeless people in 2022 were classified as accidental. Of these accidental deaths, 93 percent were attributed to unregulated drug toxicity, accounting for 84 percent of all fatalities. Five percent of deaths were due to natural causes, two percent were homicides, and 1.5 percent were suicides.
Within British Columbia, a total of 2,377 individuals lost their lives to toxic drugs in 2022. Surprisingly, only 12 percent of those who died from drug overdoses were homeless, while 84 percent of homeless people who died had their lives claimed by drugs.
Advocates have been calling for a moratorium on evictions of people living in tents until warmer weather arrives. In CRAB Park, park rangers enforce a city bylaw requiring people to pack up and leave during the day. Fiona York, an advocate for residents of the camp, emphasized the importance of considering the challenging circumstances faced by homeless individuals, particularly during colder months. She highlighted the need for shelters and support even outside of winter.
York believes that listening to the experiences and needs of those most affected is crucial in finding solutions. She stressed the importance of providing necessary support rather than attempting to make homelessness invisible. By meeting people where they are and ensuring their safety, it is possible to combat the significant death toll among the homeless population.
The report also revealed that deaths among homeless individuals are more frequent during the fall and winter months. Additionally, the coroners service distinguishes between sheltered and unsheltered homelessness. From 2015 to 2022, unsheltered individuals accounted for 50 percent of deaths, while 32 percent were sheltered, and the remaining 17 percent were listed as unknown.
While the rising death toll among homeless individuals in British Columbia is concerning, advocates continue to push for action and support to address the crisis. With a focus on providing shelter, safety, and listening to the voices of those affected, there is hope for reducing the tragic loss of life among the most vulnerable members of society.
